Companion (2025), directed by Drew Hancock, is a gripping combination of thriller, science fiction and black comedy. It entertains while also asking deeper questions about the society behind its premise.
Spoilers: the ending explainedOpen only if you want to know the ending.
The story begins innocently enough. Iris, played by Sophie Thatcher, and Josh, played by Jack Quaid, meet in a supermarket and later spend a weekend with Josh's friends at a luxurious lakeside property. The group's dynamic changes dramatically when Iris is revealed to be an emotional support robot manufactured by Empathix: an artificial intelligence programmed to be the perfect partner.
Control and autonomy
What follows is a tense, thought-provoking drama that combines its genres effectively. Artificial intelligence, relationships and power structures are central. I particularly appreciate the way the film examines technology as a means of compensating for human weaknesses, and the moral conflicts that result. It offers no easy answers, asking viewers to wrestle with those questions themselves.
The performances lift the story considerably. Sophie Thatcher gives Iris a fascinating mixture of vulnerability and distance. Her development from an apparently programmable figure into someone seeking identity and autonomy is convincing and emotionally engaging. Jack Quaid gives Josh an uneasy ambiguity, caught between apparent affection and a manipulative need for control. The supporting cast, including Rupert Friend, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri and Harvey Guillén, adds further layers throughout.
Visually, the film benefits from stylish direction. Eli Born's cinematography draws a strong contrast between the picturesque lakeside exteriors and the oppressive, almost claustrophobic spaces inside the house. The production design feels futuristic while remaining believable, reinforcing the dystopian atmosphere. Hrishikesh Hirway's score is another strength, supporting both emotional moments and scenes of tension.
Unexpected turns and dark humor make the story entertaining and unpredictable. Power, control and misogyny come under scrutiny, giving the film a wider social relevance. Its satirical undercurrents are particularly effective at maintaining the balance between entertainment and substance.
Companion is an intelligent, bold film that places contemporary concerns inside a compelling story. It asks how far we are prepared to go in pursuit of perfection, and what the consequences might be. For viewers drawn to thrillers with something to say about society, this is essential viewing.
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