Whilst exploring the depiction of AI, I was struck by an unsurprising yet common correlation, between AI and ‘the ideal woman’. I was disturbed by the scarily real idea introduced by ‘Companion’, of how perhaps our society will regress to the point where it is socially acceptable for people to purchase AI robots for a romantic relationship.
In one of the latest narratives centring on AI, ‘Companion’ is a gory and dark insight into the future of society. Released only weeks ago in the UK, written and directed by Drew Hancock, the plot follows a couple, Josh and his adoring girlfriend Iris. The audience is placed in the same shoes as Iris, unaware of what is truly occurring for the first quarter of the film.
It is revealed to the viewer, at the same time as Iris, that the perfect girlfriend is actually a ‘companion’ robot that Josh has tailored perfectly simply through an app on his phone. After this moment Iris gains sentience and understanding of her reality, and what continues can only be described as a graphic and bloody battle for Iris to reclaim her agency.
The nuanced depictions of love in this film challenges the ideas of AI being used to make the ‘ideal’ woman yet does not entirely abolish it.
Yet what remains is a very human and relatable character to its female audience, as we can all see what Iris truly is, another loving girl mistreated and abused by a mediocre man. Fundamentally it felt as though the director, Hancock, intended for the non-human character to be the most relatable and lifelike, and thus possibly implying that a future of lifelike AI is entirely possible. Hancock’s interpretation of AI also allows the viewer to see a terrifying world where it is socially acceptable for men to purchase and entirely control women, a scarily real option as we see misogyny grow in our society.
‘Companion’ has a complex portrayal of AI, and human relationships with AI. Iris’s abuser Josh is depicted as the main antagonist of the film, blatantly disrespecting and hurting everyone around him as the film progresses. However, Josh’s friend Eli who had also purchased a ‘companion’ robot partner is depicted as being ‘truly’ in love with companion, and their relationship being the most genuine seen in the film. The nuanced depictions of love in this film challenges the ideas of AI being used to make the ‘ideal’ woman yet does not entirely abolish it.
Ultimately, ‘Companion’ forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our future, where technological advances may blur the line between authentic connection and commodified companionship. By reflecting on these dark possibilities, the film challenges its viewer to re-examine our values, highlighting the importance of engaging with critical discourse about the ethics of AI.
