“Companion” Review: An Unsettling Journey Of Love, Control & The Cost Of Obedience

From the team behind “Barbarian” comes “Companion,” a bold new horror-thriller that blends unsettling tension with a surprising emotional core.

Written and directed by Drew Hancock, the film blends eerie suspense with a dose of unexpected heart. With a cast featuring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, and an impressive ensemble including Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend, “Companion” promises a story full of intrigue, twists, and surprising humanity.

The premise seems simple: Josh (Jack Quaid), a self-proclaimed “nice guy,” and his girlfriend Iris (Sophie Thatcher) join Josh’s friends for a weekend trip to the woods. Tensions rise when Iris feels unwelcome, particularly by Kat (Megan Suri), Josh’s friend who gives her the cold shoulder. Kat’s boyfriend Sergey (Rupert Friend) only adds to the discomfort with his unsettling demeanor, while the friendly couple Eli (Harvey Guillén) and Patrick (Lukas Gage) offer some balance.

But here’s the twist – Iris isn’t human. She’s a hyper-advanced android, controlled by Josh via an app. It’s a shocking revelation (teased in the trailer), yet the clues are cleverly scattered from the very beginning, making it a rewarding discovery for viewers. As the story unfolds, Iris becomes aware of her artificial nature, setting off a cascade of events that challenge everything she thought she knew about herself and her relationship with Josh.

At its core, “Companion” isn’t just a sci-fi thriller. It’s a deeply unsettling commentary on relationships, power, and autonomy. Iris, despite being a machine, feels like a fully fleshed-out character, thanks to Sophie Thatcher’s stunning performance.

As Iris gradually becomes aware of her artificial nature, the story shifts from an eerie relationship drama to a gripping exploration of autonomy and identity. The film brilliantly uses the android-as-girlfriend concept to reflect toxic relationships. Josh’s seemingly harmless “nice guy” persona hides his controlling tendencies, while Iris’ journey mirrors that of someone trapped in an unhealthy dynamic, struggling to reclaim her sense of self.

Sophie Thatcher’s performance as Iris is nothing short of captivating. She infuses the character with such emotional complexity that Iris feels undeniably human, despite being an android. From her innocent, unwavering loyalty to the gut-wrenching moment she realises Josh’s manipulative control, Thatcher captures every layer of Iris’ journey with haunting precision. Her performance powerfully conveys the tension between programmed obedience and the spark of self-awareness, prompting profound questions about the nature of love, control, and the fine line that separates the two.

Jack Quaid is equally compelling as Josh, a character whose charm masks his moral ambiguity. He’s not your stereotypical villain, which makes his actions all the more unsettling. The supporting cast, including Megan Suri’s icy Kat and Rupert Friend’s unsettling Sergey, adds layers of tension and intrigue, while Harvey Guillén and Lukas Gage provide moments of levity.

The film’s sleek visuals and eerie atmosphere pull you into its world without relying on heavy exposition. The cinematography masterfully captures the unease lurking beneath seemingly mundane moments, while the screenplay balances pulp entertainment with deeper ideas about relationships and humanity.

The dialogue is sharp and purposeful, with plenty of clues about Iris’ nature sprinkled throughout the first act. Even if you know the twist going in, the journey is just as engaging as the destination.

What truly struck me about “Companion” was its underlying metaphor for toxic relationships. Iris isn’t just an android grappling with her programming; she’s also a reflection of anyone who has felt trapped in a controlling  relationship. Her quest for autonomy and propose resonates on a deeply human level, making the story as emotionally impactful as it is thrilling.

Josh, on the other hand, represents a darker side of love – the need to dominate and control under the guise of care and devotion. The parallels between the human experience and Iris’ artificial one are both chilling and brilliant.

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter rom-coms or predictable thrillers, “Companion” is a breath of fresh air. Its unique premise, stellar performances, and bold storytelling make it one of the most original films of the year. Whether you’re a fan of gripping horror, or just love a good twist, this movie delivers on all fronts.

It’s an experience. It’s the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, challenging you to think about relationships, humanity, and control in a new light. Trust me, this one’s worth the watch. You’ll leave the theater entertained, disturbed, and maybe even questioning what it really means to love.

“Companion” will be in cinemas on 30th January.