Companion
Sophie Thatcher in Companion
From the producers of Barbarian and the studio behind The Notebook comes Companion, a sci-fi thriller that’s equal parts unsettling and thought-provoking. Directed with a sharp eye for tension, the film follows a couple’s weekend getaway at an isolated lake house, where secrets, lies, and a sentient AI companion unravel into chaos. Starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, Companion takes the idea of AI-driven romance and twists it into a deeply unsettling tale of control, manipulation, and abuse.
Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) stuns as Iris, a blissfully unaware companion robot, while Jack Quaid (The Boys) delivers a disturbingly compelling performance as Josh, her seemingly charming but deeply toxic owner.
The Dark Side of Control and Manipulation
Companion doesn’t shy away from tackling the darker aspects of human relationships, particularly the themes of control and manipulation. Josh’s treatment of Iris is a disturbing reflection of abusive dynamics, as he gaslights her, exploits her obedience, and weaponises her for his own gain. The film’s portrayal of emotional abuse is both harrowing and thought-provoking, shedding light on the difficulty many women face in escaping such relationships.
Quaid delivers a standout performance as Josh, embodying the kind of guy who thinks he’s the victim when he’s actually the villain. These attempts to play the victim add layers of complexity, highlighting themes of white privilege and toxic masculinity. Meanwhile, Thatcher shines as Iris, capturing the robot’s evolution from subservience to self-awareness with remarkable subtlety. Her performance is the emotional anchor of the film, making Iris’s journey both heartbreaking and empowering.
This isn’t just a story about AI - it’s a reflection of real-world abusive relationships, the difficulty of escaping them, and the devastating impact of emotional manipulation.
A Subversive Twist on Sci-Fi Tropes
What sets Companion apart from other AI-centric thrillers is its subversion of traditional rom-com and sci-fi tropes. The film starts with the familiar setup of a weekend getaway but quickly descends into a twisted narrative that defies expectations. The use of comedy for levity is a risky choice, but it pays off, offering moments of relief in an otherwise intense story.
The film’s exploration of misogyny and subservience is particularly striking, as it draws parallels between Iris’s plight and real-world issues of gender inequality. While the narrative occasionally veers into predictable territory, the strong performances and bold thematic choices make Companion a memorable addition to the genre.
Companion is more than just another AI-gone-rogue film - it’s a disturbingly smart take on control, consent, and the dangers of playing god with artificial intelligence. If you like your sci-fi twisted, thought-provoking, and just a little too real, this one’s for you.
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