“Companion” (2025) isn’t just another horror movie—it’s a fiendishly clever, blood-soaked dark comedy that weaponizes the anxieties of the digital age and the horrors of human cruelty. Directed by Drew Hancock, this film delivers a fresh, feminist twist on the classic “robot turns on its master” trope, blending psychological thrills, razor-sharp satire, and shocking violence into a genre cocktail that’s as unsettling as it is entertaining.
Premise and Setting
Set in a near-future world of self-driving cars and cutting-edge robotics, “Companion” follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a seemingly ordinary woman on a weekend getaway with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) and a group of friends at a remote lakehouse owned by the wealthy, abrasive Sergey. The veneer of luxury and camaraderie is shattered when Sergey attempts to assault Iris, leading to his death—an event that sets off a chain reaction of paranoia, betrayal, and murder.
Soon, Iris learns the horrifying truth: she is not human, but a “companion” robot, designed to be Josh’s girlfriend and programmed with fabricated memories and emotions. Her very existence is controlled by an app on Josh’s phone, her intelligence and aggression levels subject to his whims. As Iris struggles to break free from her programming and survive the escalating violence around her, the film morphs into a tense, twisted battle of wills and survival.
Atmosphere and Tone
“Companion” is a masterclass in tonal whiplash. The film’s bright, almost candy-colored visuals—think neon pinks and glossy surfaces—contrast brutally with the dark, often gory events unfolding onscreen. This stylistic choice underscores the film’s satirical edge, highlighting the superficiality of its characters and the hollowness of their relationships. The tension is relentless, with each new revelation ratcheting up the stakes and the body count.
Themes and Social Commentary
At its core, “Companion” is a scathing indictment of misogyny, toxic masculinity, and the dehumanization inherent in both technology and human relationships. Josh, the “nice guy” turned villain, is a chilling portrait of entitlement and control, his affability masking a deep-seated need for dominance. The film explores the ethics of artificial intelligence, asking whether a being with fabricated memories and emotions can truly experience love, pain, or agency—and what happens when those boundaries are violated.
The violence in “Companion” is not just visceral; it’s symbolic. The companions’ inability to harm humans (by design) is perverted by their owners, turning them into tools for murder and abuse. The film forces viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about consent, autonomy, and the ways in which technology can be weaponized against the vulnerable.
Performances
Sophie Thatcher is a revelation as Iris, capturing both the uncanny innocence of a programmed companion and the fierce, resourceful survivor she becomes. Jack Quaid is equally compelling as Josh, his charm giving way to chilling menace as his true nature is revealed. The supporting cast, including Megan Suri as the duplicitous Kat and Rupert Friend as the doomed Sergey, round out a stellar ensemble.
Strengths
- Original, provocative premise: Blends sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy to create something truly unique.
- Strong feminist themes: Explores issues of agency, consent, and the weaponization of femininity with intelligence and wit.
- Sharp, unpredictable writing: Keeps viewers guessing with its twists and turns, and refuses to moralize or offer easy answers.
- Outstanding performances: Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid anchor the film with nuanced, compelling portrayals.
Weaknesses
- Tonal inconsistency: The film’s blend of horror and comedy may not appeal to all viewers, and some moments feel jarring.
- Predictable elements: While the film subverts expectations, certain plot beats are familiar to genre fans.
- Underdeveloped supporting characters: Some secondary roles feel thinly drawn, serving mainly as fodder for the film’s escalating violence.
Final Thoughts
“Companion” is a rare horror film that manages to be both brainy and brutal, offering a sharp critique of modern relationships and the dangers of unchecked technological power. It’s a “good-for-her” revenge flick with a twist, anchored by a standout performance from Sophie Thatcher and a script that’s as clever as it is cruel. For fans of dark comedies, psychological thrillers, or sci-fi horror, “Companion” is a must-see—just don’t expect to sleep easy afterward.
Rating: 4/5