Presenting itself as a twisted romance, that is also a satirical thriller, Companion tries to do a lot. Much of this it does successfully. The film is upfront in its horror-bound intentions as the opening meeting between Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) is underscored by Iris’ confession to the audience that she kills Josh. Events quickly move to a conveniently remote country house as the film appears to be following the classic storyline of a group of friends at leisure until something goes wrong. Companion therefore seems to deliberately mitigate any possibility for plot twists, particularly if you watch the trailer before the film and learn that Iris is a robot. The level of spoilers in Companion’s trailers has drawn interest and criticism to the film in equal measure, but I found it was only an asset to its plot.
The level of spoilers in Companion’s trailers has drawn interest and criticism to the film in equal measure, but I found it was only an asset to its plot.
In the knowledge that Iris is a robot, Drew Hancock’s script shines as you pick up on the verbal details that betray how the humans mistreat her and become immersed in an atmosphere of hostility and objectification. Instead of providing a plot twist from a well-worn trope, Hancock therefore invites the viewer to explore how AI systems might fit into human dynamics in greater detail. Luckily, this level of immersion also dulls your senses to other entertaining plot twists.
The pair at the centre of the film are both compellingly portrayed, as Iris’ emotional development is interestingly captured by Thatcher. She is well-met by Quaid’s character, whose nice guy façade neatly covers controlling tendencies and masculine fragility. Iris’ eventual struggle against him for freedom, both as a robot and the victim of a controlling relationship, underlines a deeper meaning to the film. As AI systems become more commonplace, Companion cleverly reflects concerns about how the treatment of these systems may only compound social issues like misogyny.
As AI systems become more commonplace, Companion cleverly reflects concerns about how the treatment of these systems may only compound social issues like misogyny.
Despite its heavier themes, Companion is a genuinely funny film. Intense action sequences are interspersed with light-hearted humour that mostly finds the mark. Sometimes it feels like the film reaches for jokes in contexts that make this a stretch, leaving characters feeling shallow as they are remarkably unphased by the horrific events they witness. However, highly developed characters don’t feel necessary when Companion delivers so much in its blend of thought-provoking social commentary and comedic horror. If you need some meaningful entertainment, Companion has a lot to recommend it.
