“Companion” is an upcoming American romantic horror film written and directed by Drew Hancock, marking his directorial debut. The film is produced by New Line Cinema, BoulderLight Pictures, and Vertigo Entertainment, with a budget of $10 million. It is scheduled for theatrical release on January 31, 2025.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on a weekend getaway among friends at a remote cabin, which unravels into chaos after a revelation that one of the guests is a companion robot. The story begins with a seemingly typical romantic encounter between Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) at a grocery store, leading to a weekend trip with friends. It is soon revealed that Iris is an “emotional support robot” created by Empathix, designed to be the perfect partner with programmed devotion. The plot swiftly changes after Iris murders Sergey (Rupert Friend) in self-defense during the getaway. The film delves into Josh’s sinister nature, revealing his desire to control Iris completely.
Cast and Characters
- Sophie Thatcher as Iris: An “emotional support robot” who evolves from ignorance of her robotic nature to powerful self-awareness and anger.
- Jack Quaid as Josh: A seemingly nerdy boyfriend whose manipulative and controlling tendencies are revealed as the story progresses.
- Rupert Friend as Sergey: A friend whose actions lead to a pivotal moment in the narrative.
- Harvey Guillén as Eli: A member of the friend group, contributing to the dynamics of the weekend getaway.
- Lukas Gage as Patrick: Another friend whose interactions add depth to the unfolding drama.
- Megan Suri as Kat: Part of the ensemble, adding to the group’s complex relationships.
The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Thatcher’s portrayal of Iris being particularly compelling. Her evolution from a programmed companion to a self-aware entity is a highlight of the film.
“Companion” engages with themes of male entitlement, technology, and self-determination. The film critiques misogynistic tendencies through its narrative, exploring the dynamics of control and autonomy within relationships, especially when technology blurs the lines between human and artificial intelligence. The story delves into the concept of human-robot relationships, examining the ethical and emotional complexities that arise when artificial beings gain self-awareness.
Critical Reception
Early reviews have praised “Companion” for its smart and twisted narrative. Entertainment Weekly describes it as a “deliciously smart comedic thriller,” highlighting its critique of white male entitlement and the compelling performances by the cast.
Vulture commends the film’s clever construction, surprises, and escalating violence, noting its balance of entertainment with light political commentary.
The film has also received a positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a strong reception from critics.
Production Insights
Drew Hancock, known for his work on “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Bros,” both directs and writes this film. The project is a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios, Stoller Global Solutions, Hello Sunshine, and Gloria Sanchez Productions. Filming commenced in Atlanta in May 2023, capturing the essence of the story’s island resort setting.
Conclusion
“Companion” promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the romantic horror genre, offering a blend of suspense, dark humor, and social commentary. With its stellar cast and engaging storyline, it is poised to resonate with audiences seeking both thrills and meaningful narratives. As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for this exploration of technology, autonomy, and the complexities of human-robot relationships.
For a visual glimpse into the film’s intriguing premise, you can watch the official trailer below:
