Drew Hancock’s Companion takes a more intimate approach to the genre, crafting a gripping, unsettling thriller that dives deep into the ethical and emotional minefield of artificial intelligence in human relationships.
The film follows Josh (Jack Quaid), who introduces his new girlfriend, Iris (Sophie Thatcher), to his friends during a weekend getaway at a remote lakeside cabin. But there’s a catch—unbeknownst to them, Iris isn’t human. She’s an AI-powered “companion,” designed to serve Josh’s every need. What starts as an eerie Black Mirror-esque setup soon spirals into something much darker, exploring control, free will, and the murky morality of building sentient beings for personal pleasure.
Thatcher delivers a standout performance as Iris, skillfully balancing the mechanical precision of an AI with the slow emergence of independent thought. She’s unsettlingly perfect at first, programmed to please, but as her self-awareness grows, so does the tension. Jack Quaid, meanwhile, treads a fine line between affable and unnervingly possessive, portraying Josh as a man who isn’t entirely villainous—just deeply flawed in his need for control. Their dynamic is where Companion is at its most compelling, forcing the audience to question who really holds the power in their relationship.
Hancock’s direction keeps things tight and atmospheric, using the picturesque cabin setting to mask the growing unease bubbling beneath the surface. The film makes a pointed statement about modern relationships in a tech-driven age, where convenience often trumps genuine connection. But while Companion starts strong with its eerie sci-fi horror premise, not all of its twists land perfectly. Some critics have noted that the film takes an unexpected pivot into crime-thriller territory, moving away from its more psychological elements.
Still, the film has clearly struck a chord, pulling in an impressive $34.3 million globally by late February 2025. Its box office success proves that audiences are eager for genre films that ask big questions about AI, ethics, and what it truly means to be human. Companion may not stick the landing for everyone, but its unsettling premise and strong performances ensure it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
