“There have been two moments in my life when I was happiest; the first was the day I met Josh, and the second, the day I killed him.” The first line of the sci-fi thriller brought by the creators of “The Notebook” and “Barbarian,” whose collaboration unites two very different ends of a genre spectrum: emotional romance and suspenseful horror. These juxtaposed themes are exemplified throughout the film, creating a complex narrative which explores heavy topics from manipulation and control to love and identity.
“Companion,” Drew Hancock’s directorial film debut, released Jan. 31, 2025, following the relationship between Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid). The movie begins like any rom-com cliche: a perfect meet-cute. While shopping for produce, Iris locks eyes with Josh, who then proceeds to spill a mountain of oranges onto an aisle. The film then jumps to the couple on their way to a weekend getaway at a lakeside cabin with two other couples from Josh’s friend group.
As greed and money enter the picture, and a few unfortunate events occur, the trip turns dark and Iris kills Sergery out of self-defense. Iris is then revealed to be a robot, designed to be a companion to lonely people. It was unbeknownst to her, as she has feelings and memories like any ordinary human. These memories are revealed to be nothing more than fictitious, and her devotion to Josh is not of love or loyalty, but rather programming.
The concept of a sci-fi film where a robot grapples with its existence has been done many times before, but “Companion” explores the relationship between robots and humans with a unique blend of dark humor and social commentary.
A disappointing and overdone scenario of a group of friends in a remote cabin is utilized in the storyline; however, in this unique circumstance, that uninventive dynamic strengthens the plot. The audience first gains a sense of familiarity, which is quickly lost as the movie progresses. This shift flows well, and aids in the transition between genres.
Hancock’s script masterfully blends these genres. The combination of humor and horror makes the film unpredictable with the atmosphere shifting hastily and the tension rising at unprecedented times. While blurring the lines between what is AI and human, the idea of Iris being a robot but experiencing her life as a person creates moral questions, adding to the unique conflict between her and other humans.
The characters’ dialogue helps develop that conflict, especially the dynamic between the human characters and the robot companion. Before it is revealed that Iris is a robot, the other characters treat her coldly and dismissively. This language shifts as Iris acts more emotionally, helping develop her character and humanizing her.
There is a wide spectrum of humorous and serious dialogue between characters, from witty one-liners to emotional dialogues; different forms of dialogue are all scattered throughout the script. This stark contrast furthers the genre divide, adding additional elements that help build the complex storyline.
There are an ambitious amount of twists and turns employed in the 95 minute movie. This short time does not seem enough to delve into every heavy topic that it sets out to; though, the pacing of the film is natural and expands on every theme.
In a futuristic world with self-driving cars, Iris stands out with decades old attire. Clearly influenced by ‘60s style icon Audrey Hepburn, Iris dresses like a housewife. With her mid length, boxy dresses and teased hair with thick headbands, this juxtaposed display of Iris against her environment is a symbol that shows the divide her character experiences.
Thatcher executed the traits of her character well, with witty delivery and clever on-screen dialogue, though unexpectedly emotional at times, she gives an amazing portrayal and makes the robot companion feel like a human with her poignant and comic performance.
Overall, “Companion” took an overdone sci-fi idea and completely reinvented it. All with the perfect balance of gore, dark comedy, romance, and emotion. The pacing felt natural, even though the film has a short run time of 1 hour, 35 minutes, every plot point was developed well. It is an enjoyable watch filled with tension, action, humor, deep themes, and emotion.
