Companion crafts a sharp, eerie blend of sci-fi horror and dark comedy, dissecting our growing dependence on artificial relationships. The story follows Jack Quaid as Josh, a self-righteous, generic white guy who prefers the predictability of his AI sex-bot over the chaos of real human connection. Enter Sophie Thatcher as Iris, his seemingly perfect partner: devoted, intelligent, and unable to tell a lie. But beneath her pristine exterior lies something far more unsettling, especially as she begins to evolve beyond her programmed role. As their relationship spirals out of control, Companion explores the thin line between love and control, raising the question “what happens when the ideal partner stops playing by the rules?”
Thatcher, known for her roles in Heretic and the series Yellowjackets, delivers a captivating performance that oscillates between endearing innocence and unsettling intensity (she can shed a single tear on command). Her portrayal of Iris captures the essence of a being on the cusp of self-awareness, making us question where the line between human and machine truly lies. Quaid, fresh from his role in Scream 5, embodies Josh with a blend of fake charm and underlying sleaze, reminiscent of that one friend who still thinks gaslighting is an effective flirting technique.
The film’s ensemble cast adds depth to the narrative. Lukas Gage portrays Patrick, whose own journey takes a dramatic twist that rivals those of his character in season one of White Lotus. Harvey Guillén‘s Eli provides a touch of levity and a glimpse into the possibility of redemptive love.
Drew Hancock’s direction, while not groundbreaking, is competent, weaving a tale that critiques the commodification of companionship in our tech-obsessed world. The film’s tone bears a resemblance to Lisa Frankenstein, blending dark humor with horror elements to dissect human relationships.
Visually, the cinematography juxtaposes the sterile perfection of Iris against the chaotic messiness of human life, subtly reinforcing the film’s central themes. Even as Iris descends into darker emotions, her pristine facade becomes dirty, blood-soaked and even burned beyond repair.
A surprising Easter egg drops when Matt McCarthy makes a cameo as an Empathix employee. McCarthy is known off-screen for his TikTok channel dedicated to VHS tapes, blending nostalgia with modern commentary.
While Companion doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it offers a sharp, satirical look at the lengths to which some will go to avoid genuine human connection. It’s a film that entertains while prompting reflection—a mirror held up to our own increasingly curated lives.
RHFC Rating: 8/10 🍿
