“Companion”: A Fresh Perspective on AI and Human Relationships

Directed by: Drew Hancock
Rating: 8/10

“Companion” emerges as a refreshing and hilarious take on the classic subgenre of horror where a weekend getaway of a group of friends has gone awry. In a cinematic landscape where predictable AI horror flicks have flooded the genre with formulaic thrillers, “Companion” stands out. Directed by Drew Hancock, with a keen sense of nuance and dark humor, this captures the narrative that intertwines the complexities of human relationships with technology and the implications of artificial intelligence (AI). At its core, the film is more than just another entry in the robot-killer subgenre; it’s a somehow thought-provoking commentary on companionship, control, and the consequences of technology misuse and abuse.

The story revolves around a group of friends embarking on a seemingly innocent getaway, only to be thrown into chaos when Iris, played wonderfully by Sophie Thatcher, an android designed for companionship, begins to malfunction and kill their multimillionaire friend. Iris embodies the ideal of subservience, but as the narrative moves forward and her settings change, we witness the ramifications of creating artificial beings designed solely for companionship. Thatcher’s performance anchored the film to the ground. It helped the film to move forward with its narrative as she navigates the complexities of her character, showcasing a wide range of emotions that make Iris feel more human than many of her flesh-and-blood counterparts. Thatcher has proven to me that she’s indeed one of the most hardworking, if not one of the best actresses we have today. Her previous performances in “Heretic,” “Boogeyman,” and even “Yellowjackets” were also great, but this film is her best work so far.

The story revolves around a group of friends embarking on a seemingly innocent retreat, only to be thrown into chaos when Iris, an android designed for companionship, begins to malfunction. Played impeccably by Sophie Thatcher, Iris is not your average robotic sidekick. She embodies the ideal of subservience, yet as the plot thickens, we are invited to question the ethical ramifications of creating beings designed solely to serve human whims. Thatcher’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing; she deftly navigates the complexities of her character, showcasing a range of emotions that make Iris feel more human than many of her flesh-and-blood counterparts.

Warner Bros. Pictures

From the get-go, we are introduced to Jack Quaid’s character, Josh, who epitomizes the state of being a controlling and manipulative boyfriend archetype. His interactions with Iris were particularly demeaning and controlling, instructing her on how to behave and further emphasizing the theme of control and manipulation. This dynamic sets the film for a thrilling narrative that keeps the audience thrilled. This is why I encouraged everyone to watch the film with little to no prior knowledge, as the film’s ability to surprise and engage is amplified when viewers are not burdened by preconceived notions of what a “robot-killer” film entails. While the trailer teases some pivotal moments, it’s not enough to prepare you for the story’s depth and richness.

One of the film’s strengths is its clever use of dark humor. Amidst the chaos and thrill, “Companion” offers well-delivered and edited punchlines and transcends with the audience, making viewers chuckle even when the tension is tightened. The witty writing, particularly in character interactions, elevates the film beyond the mere shock and suspense value. For instance, the antagonist’s name cleverly serves as an anagram of “Siri,” a detail that showcases the film’s sharp wit and self-awareness. Combined with suspense and humor, this creates a unique viewing experience, allowing the audience to laugh and gasp in equal measure.

Sophie Thatcher’s performance as Iris, the android caught in a web of human manipulation and expectation, hits the mark in all the right places. Throughout the film, Thatcher demonstrates an impressive range, using subtle gestures and expressions to convey the complex emotional landscape of a robot discovering that she’s a robot. Her character evolves significantly, particularly during key moments when her programming settings change. This character evolution is a testament to her acting prowess and underscores the film’s exploration of autonomy and identity; Iris becomes a symbol of resistance against the limitations imposed upon her, making her journey all the more compelling.

Jack Quaid’s performance as Josh, who initially comes off as the quintessential loser of the group, infuses his character with depth that allows the audience to engage with him beyond surface-level disdain. His portrayal reflects our relationship with technology, often treating it with ignorance instead and less moderation. As the film progresses, we witness the manifestation of the consequences of his actions, which prompt viewers to reconsider how we handle technologies---this is ultimately the message and theme of the film. This nuanced approach to character development adds layers to the film.

In conclusion, “Companion” is a cinematic gem that defies conventional genre labeling. It is a film that seamlessly weaves thriller elements, dark humor, and social commentary. With standout performances from Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid and a narrative that keeps audiences on their toes, this film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh and engaging take on the complexities of human-technology relationships. As someone who appreciates films that challenge our perceptions and provoke thought, “Companion” has left a mark on my cinematic journey, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.