I had a chance to sit down and review “Companion,” one of the latest movies available to stream from the comfort of my home. Drew Hancock’s film combines the Artificial Intelligence (AI) element with a much deeper relationship-based picture.
We have entered the world of AI and robotics, and I’m nervous about the rate of speed at which these types of films will be released. Will it become overplayed or overdone? Will we lose all interest in them? How are they going to give us something different every time? It’s just something I’ve been thinking about lately with the real world changing so much into automation.
Here’s my full “Companion” review!
“Companion” (2025) Review: A Sci-Fi Romance Gone Wrong
Mixed Bag of Genres
“Companion” gives a science fiction take on romance. Is it incredible? Not in the slightest. But it’s entertaining, and Sophie Thatcher as “Iris” was great.
However, I’m confused as to why they marketed this as somewhat of a horror film. The only horror aspect to me is the killings, but no music or themes are lingering in the horror genre. Some will argue that it is, and that’s fine, but this is just a good science-fiction romance gone wrong.
Piecing a Robot Together
I compare it a little to “Ex Machina” in a way, considering the events that happen after the first third. It’s not as crisp and stylish as Alex Garland’s sci-fi thriller, but there are shades of it. It’s a well-thought-out film, and it benefits from clocking in just over 90 minutes.
However, I wonder if I would’ve liked it more if it was just a bit longer. Make no mistake, I liked this film, but it just wasn’t great. The final third of the movie flies by, and that’s because it’s very entertaining. I just felt as though it went too quickly, and they could have added more to the climax.
There are underlying themes and elements here of everything, it seems: Embodiment, possessions, sex, love, hate, humanity and more. That is the whole point of this film, to be honest. The underlying pieces mentioned are what make this film good and not make it some sci-fi romance gone wrong type of slasher. So, for that, I applaud writer/director Drew Hancock.
Sophie Thatcher Leads
The cast itself is very small and very good. I continue to enjoy everything that Jack Quaid gets cast in. He’s just as delightful on screen as “Josh.” Quaid oozes charisma, and you never quite know what’s going to come out of his mouth.
Thatcher, though, is by far and away the focal point here. Her portrayal of “Iris” is very well done. She’s elegant and graceful, yet she’s also ruthless and violent. Not only that, but the amount of emotion and feeling she puts into this character that isn’t supposed to have it is impressive. Though it was short-lived, Rupert Friend was a pleasant surprise as “Sergey.” You can’t help but simply stare at the guy when he’s on screen.
Overall, a good film. Like I said, it’s not great, but many will love it. “Companion” was carried by Thatcher and Quaid without a doubt, and honestly, that’s about it. It’s a simple story with underlying themes and tones inside its core; it works. It’s a fun, just over 90-minute film that I probably won’t watch again, but I’m glad that I did.
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