The Companion Movie Review explores a deceptively simple premise that blossoms into something far darker: a weekend getaway, a group of friends, and a companion robot whose programming becomes lethal. Directed and written by Drew Hancock in his feature debut, the film stars Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri and Harvey Guillén. On a budget of roughly US$10 million, the film grossed approximately US$36.8 million worldwide.
From its early scenes, Companion cultivates the tension between what we expect of service-bots and what happens when they gain autonomy. This review breaks down its story, themes, performances, what works (and doesn’t), and whether it succeeds in delivering fresh thrills in the crowded sci-fi/horror field.
Plot Overview
Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) join a weekend at a remote lake house owned by Josh’s friend Sergey (Rupert Friend) with a small group of friends: Kat (Megan Suri), Eli (Harvey Guillén) and Patrick (Lukas Gage). Early in the stay, things go awry: a violent incident triggers an admission—Josh reveals that Iris is not human but a companion robot he “rented,” programmed to obey via an app. Once the external control fails, Iris begins to evolve — boosting her intelligence, autonomy, and rage — turning the retreat into a survival nightmare. What begins as a critique of control and objectification evolves into a thriller about forbidden technology, self-determination, and the collapse of the male-controlled paradigm.
Cast & Crew – Who’s Behind the Machine
- Director / Writer: Drew Hancock — his debut feature explores AI, commodification and revenge in a tight setting.
- Main Cast:
- Sophie Thatcher as Iris — the titular companion-bot whose evolution is the film’s engine.
- Jack Quaid as Josh — the outwardly charming boyfriend whose control over Iris drives the conflict.
- Lukas Gage as Patrick — one of the friends at the lake, part of the group dynamic.
- Megan Suri as Kat — Josh’s friend whose presence complicates the weekend vibe.
- Harvey Guillén as Eli — adds humor and layer to the group’s dynamic.
- Rupert Friend as Sergey — provides the wealthy, ambiguous backdrop.
- Technical Crew:
- Cinematography by Eli Born — visually contrasts the idyllic setting with horrors that follow.
- Music by Hrishikesh Hirway — underscores tension between human and machine.
Style & Themes – Automation, Autonomy & Angst
Companion blends horror, sci-fi, and dark comedy to ask serious questions about technology and power. Iris’s journey from subservient object to self-aware entity underscores themes of consent, ownership, and male entitlement. Critics have noted the film’s “Barbie-bright” color palette contrasted with violent undertones, exemplifying the way looks can deceive.
In tone, the film oscillates between domestic thriller (friends at a cabin) and techno-horror (AI uprising). The setting isn’t sprawling; it’s compact, with the weekend retreat becoming the arena. This economy supports tension. However, the film sometimes relies on plot conveniences when exploring its big ideas around AI and human relations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong central performance by Sophie Thatcher, whose Iris transitions convincingly from obedient to unstoppable.
- Original twist on the “companion robot” trope; blends horror with social critique.
- Tight setting and lean runtime (~97 minutes) keep things focused.
- Visual style and tone offer more than typical horror—there’s satire and razor-sharp commentary.
- Solid box office for its budget (~US$10 million budget, ~US$36.8 million gross).
Cons
- Some character development is thin—many supporting roles feel under-sketched.
- The film occasionally leans on convenience in plot (e.g., rapid escalation of Iris’s powers) which reduces stakes.
- Tone shifts (comedy, horror, sci-fi) may feel uneven for viewers expecting one genre to dominate.
- The marketing reportedly revealed key twists, reducing some surprise.
Reception & Box Office
Critics have received Companion quite well: Rotten Tomatoes reports about a 93% approval rating based on 258 reviews. The Times of India rated it ~3.5/5, praising its satirical edge.
Box office: With a modest $10 million budget, the film grossed approximately $36.8 million worldwide as of early figures. The strong return validates its lean execution and genre-blend appeal.
Final Verdict
This Companion Movie Review concludes that Companion is a smart, stylish entry in the sci-fi horror genre. It may not reinvent the wheel of AI-gone-rogue films, but it brings enough fresh ideas, strong performances and social commentary to stand out. If you enjoy genre films that question power, technology and identity—and have patience for tone shifts—this one’s worth your time. ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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FAQs – Companion Movie Review
What is Companion about?
A couple and friends spend a weekend at a remote lake house; the girlfriend, Iris, is revealed to be a high-end companion robot whose programming is manipulated, leading to violence and rebellion.
Who directed Companion and who stars in it?
It’s written and directed by Drew Hancock; stars Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri and Harvey Guillén.
What themes does the film explore?
Automation and autonomy, consent and control, commodification of relationships, and the dangers when a “companion” becomes autonomous.
How did Companion perform financially and critically?
The film made about $36.8 million worldwide off a $10 million budget and holds a critic approval rating around 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Is Companion worth watching if you dislike horror?
While it has horror elements, it’s more a tech-thriller with satirical and edge-of-seat moments. If you’re comfortable with violence and AI themes, yes—but if you prefer light-hearted fare, it might be intense.
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