by Jeff Alan, Contributing Writer
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to knowingly date a robot, Companion takes that premise and runs with it — sometimes into unexpected territory full of smarter tech tricks, humor, and twists!
Companion is a thriller that takes the ever-popular AI theme and gives it a fresh, suspenseful twist. Directed by Drew Hancock and produced by the same minds behind Barbarian, with a talented cast and an intriguing premise, Companion stands out as one of the better AI-focused films in recent years.
The story follows Josh (Jack Quaid) and his girlfriend Iris (Sophie Thatcher) as they travel to a luxurious, remote cabin in the woods to meet up with Josh’s friends. What starts as a fun getaway quickly takes a dark turn when Iris kills one of the friends, Sergey (Rupert Friend), in an act of self-defense. But the shocking revelation that follows is even more unsettling — Iris is not human. She’s a companion robot, programmed to love Josh unconditionally and to never to harm anyone, making the violent act she committed a complete anomaly. As the group grapples with this reality, tensions rise, secrets unravel, and a complex plan begins to unfold.
While the film’s cast is already outstanding, the gravitas the actors bring ups the ante even more. Thatcher delivers a standout performance as Iris, capturing both her humanity and the eerie, underlying precision of an AI being. Quaid is equally compelling as Josh, bringing that mix of charm that we love seeing him use in The Boys, plus a new set of skills that I had not seen from him before. The members of the supporting cast — including Harvey Guillén, Lukas Gage, and Megan Suri — each bring their own dynamic energy, elevating the tension and humor in equal measure.
Speaking of humor, one of the film’s pleasant surprises is how funny it can be. Despite its thriller label, Companion isn’t afraid to sprinkle in moments of levity that actually work. It never veers into full-blown comedy, but it allows for brief respites from the tension, making the story more organic and engaging. The film also benefits from strong cinematography and thoughtful direction. The remote cabin setting is beautifully shot, creating an eerie yet inviting atmosphere.
The use of technology within the film is well-handled — it’s integral to the plot without feeling gimmicky or overwhelming. Many AI-based films fall into the trap of over-explaining their technology, but Companion strikes a balance, keeping the focus on its characters while still making the tech essential to the story.
A minor flaw in the film is a somewhat convoluted plan hatched by two characters — it becomes a little head-scratchy as the story unfolds. While it ultimately doesn’t fully matter by the end, there are moments where it feels unnecessarily complicated. Additionally, while Companion is a thriller, it lacks the outright horror elements one might expect given its connection to Barbarian. The suspense is there, but it’s less “scary” than some viewers might anticipate.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Companion is a standout in the AI thriller genre. It’s smarter than most recent attempts at tackling the subject, providing a mix of suspense, strong performances, and unexpected humor. The film may not be the scariest of its kind, but it’s undeniably engaging and well-crafted.
Rating: Liked It
Companion is currently playing in theaters
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