‘Companion’ Review: The Sci-fi Thriller Romp For The Girls

The main draw of  ‘Companion’ is how truly fun it is. So fun in fact that its thinly veiled plot does not even affect my enjoyment of the movie. The film follows Iris as she goes with her boyfriend Josh on a lake house getaway with his friends. A death leads to a chain of unhinged events that touches on gender roles and toxic relationships. Knowing as little as you can before seeing ‘Companion’ will only enhance the experience, so I highly recommend going in blind. Read our ‘Companion’ review below. 

This review contains spoilers for ‘Companion.’

Over the past couple years we have been flooded with films about evil AI robots, including ‘Megan’ and ‘Subservience.’ ‘Companion,’ unlike those films, is not about a robot just turning evil, it is the complete opposite. Iris does not know she is a robot. Making most of the film about her discovery of what she really is and her exploration of trying to regain ownership of herself. What is most unique about the film is that it relies on the viewer to have sympathy for the robot, a risk that ultimately pays off thanks to Sophie Thatcher’s expert performance. 

I want to touch on all the performances because I think the commitment by the actors is what makes the film so fun. As I said before Sophie Thatcher is amazing as Iris, cementing herself as a genre movie star. With films like ‘Heretic’ and ‘The Boogeyman’ under her belt, ‘Companion’ is the clear standout from her career so far. She is given a lot to work with, Iris being a complex character who is given a lot of moments of catharsis. Jack Quaid is spot on as Josh, expertly portraying the most pathetic man put to screen I have seen in a while. He is charming when he needs to be but knows how to become a man you want to punch in the face. There are also some fun supporting players, Megan Suri, and Harvey Guillén know exactly what they need to bring as Josh’s friends. 

The film actually has some interesting things to say, though I do not think it fully reaches what it was going for. The main theme of ‘Companion’ is its take on toxic relationships. There is a clear domestic violence allegory, which I commend the film for attempting this, but it does not give that subject matter the time and care it deserves. I can see that the film has this under the surface but it has been done in more interesting and nuanced ways in other films before it. The film really shines as a crowd pleasing good time and I think it’s okay that that’s all it is. 

I think the main drawback with the film is not anything to do with the film itself, it has to do with the marketing. Marketed as “From the unhinged creators of ‘Barbarian’” it is clear that the studio was marketing the film as something that it is not. The film is not as scary as Barbarian, really showing no relation in any way. Coming into the film with that kind of expectation can taint how someone will perceive what the film actually is. With this, the second trailer to be released was completely misguided, giving away major plot details that would have been better kept under wraps. It is almost ironic having the film push that it is for people who like ‘Barbarian,’ since that film has some of the best horror marketing in recent years. 

I had a great time with ‘Companion.’ It has moments that genuinely surprised me and characters interesting enough to keep me hooked the entire time. Though I do think it lacks a lot of substance and has some moments that seem a little contrived, it is still a good time in the theater. I especially think the film will stand out for a lot of women. Watching Iris get revenge on those who wronged her are triumphant moments that feel like they were for the girls. ‘Companion’ might not be for everyone, but who it is for is sure to have a new thriller romance staple. 

‘Companion’ is the directorial debut of Drew Hancock and stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, and hit theaters on January 31st.