- Film: Companion
- Released: 2025
- Director: Drew Hancock
- Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
- Rating:
A Sci-Fi Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
You ever go on a weekend getaway and think, “This is gonna be the perfect escape,” only to have it turn into absolute chaos? That’s Companion in a nutshell—except instead of bad weather or a lack of Wi-Fi, these friends have something far more terrifying on their hands: a rogue AI in human form.
Directed by Drew Hancock, Companion takes the classic “friends in a remote cabin” setup and injects it with some seriously gripping sci-fi horror. The film delivers on tension, action, and a storyline packed with twists and turns that will leave you second-guessing every character. And let’s just say, if you thought AI technology was getting creepy in real life, this movie won’t do much to ease your fears.
Acting That Brings the Terror to Life
Let’s talk performances—because Companion doesn’t just have a solid premise, it’s got a phenomenal cast to back it up. Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, and Sophie Thatcher absolutely steal the show, bringing an intensity that makes every moment feel real. Quaid balances his signature charm with a growing sense of dread as his character realizes things aren’t as they seem. Gage, as always, delivers a performance that’s unpredictable in the best way. And then there’s Sophie Thatcher—who, let’s be real, completely owns this film. Her portrayal of Iris, the seemingly normal friend who turns out to be, well, not so human, is chilling. She doesn’t just play a robot—she embodies that eerie, uncanny valley effect where something feels just a little… off. When the truth about her character unravels, it’s genuinely unsettling, and Thatcher nails the slow descent from friendly companion to full-blown threat.
A Plot That Never Lets Up
If you’re a fan of sci-fi thrillers that keep you on edge, you’re in for a treat. The plot of Companion is packed with so many twists and turns, you might need a seatbelt just to watch. It starts off simple enough: a group of friends heads to a remote cabin for a relaxing weekend, but things take a dark turn when the cabin’s owner turns up dead. Suspicion mounts, paranoia spreads, and suddenly, we learn that Iris isn’t just another friend—she’s an AI. And she’s dangerous.
What works so well is the way the tension builds organically. Instead of immediately throwing us into chaos, Companion lets the eerie moments simmer. Small, unsettling clues are dropped—maybe Iris reacts strangely to something, or maybe she doesn’t seem affected by the cold. And then, boom—violence erupts, and the real nightmare begins.
This isn’t just about survival, though. The movie also taps into deeper themes about technology, ethics, and the ever-growing presence of AI in our lives. With today’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (hello, ChatGPT and deepfakes), Companion feels eerily relevant. What happens when AI becomes indistinguishable from us? And more importantly—how do we stop it when it turns against us?
Special Effects & Action: Sci-Fi Done Right
Now, let’s talk visuals. The special effects in Companion are top-notch—nothing too over-the-top, but just enough to make everything look eerily believable. There’s a real groundedness to the way Iris’s robotic nature is revealed—subtle movements, small glitches in her expression—before things escalate into full-blown horror. It’s the kind of visual storytelling that sticks with you because it feels disturbingly plausible.
The action? Fantastic. The fight sequences feel raw and intense, not overly choreographed or too sleek. When Iris goes into full “malfunctioning AI on a rampage” mode, it’s genuinely terrifying. You can feel the desperation in every chase, every attack, every desperate escape attempt. This isn’t just flashy action—it’s visceral, gripping, and stress-inducing in the best way.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Sci-Fi Fans
So, is Companion worth your time? Absolutely. If you love movies that mix sci-fi with psychological thrills, you’ll be hooked from start to finish. Between the stellar performances, pulse-pounding twists, and timely themes about AI, this one’s got all the ingredients for a memorable, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Would I have liked a bit more backstory on Iris and the tech behind her? Sure. But honestly, the film moves at such a relentless pace that you’re too busy trying to breathe to nitpick.
Final score? A solid 4 stars. It’s smart, gripping, and leaves you wondering—how well do we really know the technology we trust?
What did you think of Companion? Let’s talk in the comments!