Companion Review

Table of Contents

Exploring the Concept of the Perfect Murder

The notion of an ideal murder being possible is quite trendy in both literature and movies, but it is still an elusive concept that teases people with something out of reach. This background is the basis for the latest film called “Companion”, which is a dark and exciting story by writer-director Drew Hancock. The movie states the crazy adventures that took place on a weekend that appeared to be heave, leading it to convert into a nightmare with the main plot revolved around containing intrigue and mystery.

The storyline of “Companion” crawls as Josh (portrayed by Jack Quaid) and Iris (played by actress Sophie Thatcher) take a trip with their friends for a weekend off. At the same time, the peaceful retreat soon find an aspect of terror in it. It’s the most intense moment of tension when Iris, in a desperate act of self-defense, kills their host, Sergey (Rupert Friend) also leads to the revelation that she is not what she appeared to be.

As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Iris is not actually Josh’s human girlfriend but rather his robotic companion. Initially, the film appears to be a critique of artificial intelligence and its potential dangers, hinting at the ethical dilemmas and fears associated with AI. However, this angle is quickly revealed to be a diversion. Director Drew Hancock shifts focus, using the incident not to explore AI, but rather to sharply critique the male ego. The film cleverly uses the chaos following the murder to highlight the fragility and entitlement often associated with the male psyche, presenting a witty and incisive commentary on societal norms and gender dynamics.

Quaid’s Charming Deception

Jack Quaid’s portrayal of Josh in Drew Hancock’s “Companion” starts with a display of innocent charm that perfectly captures the audience’s attention. In the film’s opening scenes, his boyish charisma shines brightly, from a seemingly serendipitous encounter in a supermarket to his tender interactions with Iris. This early portrayal of Josh positions him as a harmless and likable character, convincingly playing the role of a simple bystander amid the unsettling events that unfold during their weekend getaway. His naturally ruffled curls and a lineage steeped in romantic comedy add layers to his initial image of innocence, setting up the audience for the story’s upcoming twists.

However, the narrative unfolds to show that Josh’s image perfectly created deception. He is, in fact, a very dark personality that hides behind the “nice guy” character. Josh has deliberately chosen to purchase a robotic companion, designed to his precise preferences—not just in appearance but in subservience, effectively reducing her to the status of a sex slave. This darker revelation about Josh’s character peels back the layers of a man who outwardly plays the doting boyfriend but internally harbors tendencies toward manipulation and control. His desire isn’t for a true partner but for someone he can dominate completely, from their physical attributes to their intellectual capacity.

Exploring Deeper Themes of Control

The questioning of who Josh is and what his relationship to Iris is brings out the essence of the film. While he goes on a dangerous path, the film dares the public to think of whether Josh’s failure to notice the humanity in Iris is due to her being a robot or else it is more a refusal to admit the fact that women are self-reliant. The conflict here makes the film even more multidimensional. It is now able to deal with the issues of entitlement, control, and the unrealistic image of benevolence that usually the ones who want others to be dominated create. Josh’s transformation from a charming protagonist to a controlling antagonist offers a critical examination of the dynamics of power and submission within relationships, making “Companion” a thought-provoking piece on gender and identity.

Sophie Thatcher’s portrayal of Iris in “Companion” showcases a striking journey from ignorance to self-awareness, demonstrating her formidable talent in character development. Fresh from her notable performance in the horror thriller “Heretic,” Thatcher continues to solidify her presence in the genre with another deeply engaging role. Her character, Iris, starts the film blissfully unaware of her robotic nature.

Throughout “Companion,” director Drew Hancock cleverly infuses the narrative with delicate indicators that hint at Iris’s otherness. These include the seemingly trivial details of her existence that accumulate to create a tangible sense of unease. Thatcher’s portrayal of Iris includes maintaining an eerie calm and composure that is distinctly out of place. Alongside her vintage-inspired wardrobe and flawless makeup that never smears—even under circumstances where it logically should—these elements signal that all is not as it seems with Iris. Thatcher’s performance subtly underscores these peculiarities, enhancing the suspense and intrigue of the narrative.

Transformation into Power and Rage

As Iris awakens to the grim realities of how she has been manipulated and used, Thatcher skillfully navigates her transformation from a docile, programmed entity to a powerful figure of towering anger and intelligence. This evolution is portrayed with a finesse that captures the gradual escalation of Iris’s self-awareness and her growing resolve to assert her autonomy against those who have controlled her. Thatcher’s dynamic range is on full display as she transitions Iris from vulnerability to a resolute strength that defines her character’s climax.

Thatcher’s performance is nuanced, walking a tightrope between vulnerability and emerging strength without ever revealing her hand too soon. She maintains the Stepford-Wife-like quality of Iris’s existence, which makes the character’s awakening to her circumstances all the more impactful. As Iris transitions from a tightly regulated being to an unleashed powerhouse of rage and empowerment, Thatcher ensures that each phase of Iris’s character is compelling and richly drawn. The climax of Iris’s transformation showcases Thatcher’s full range as an actress, culminating in a riveting final act that highlights her capability to evoke powerful emotions and deliver a memorable performance.

The compact ensemble in “Companion” delivers performances that are as compelling as they are complex. Harvey Guillén shines as Eli, using his character’s dry wit and sharp ripostes to mask a deep-seated loneliness and a yearning for love, adding layers to what could easily have been a straightforward role. He finds an excellent counterpart in Lukas Gage, who uses his charismatic appearance to portray Patrick, a character whose pleasant exterior belies hidden depths and secrets. Megan Suri brings a new dimension to the stereotype of the conniving gold-digger, infusing her role with vitality. Rupert Friend relishes his part as Sergey, the grotesque and overly theatrical host, adding a dramatic flair that enhances the film’s dynamic.

Directorial Mastery and Script Brilliance

The film’s success is largely due to Drew Hancock’s masterful direction and sharp scriptwriting. Hancock crafts a narrative that feels both timeless and innovative, skillfully constructing a world that feels steeped in nostalgia while simultaneously rooted in modernity. His use of iconic tracks from Peter Gabriel and various disco hits adds a layer of retro charm, evoking a sense of domestic bliss reminiscent of a “simpler time.” This choice in music and the deliberate styling of Iris’s wardrobe underscore the gender dynamics that Josh idealizes, playing into the film’s broader themes.

Hancock’s directorial approach is particularly adept at creating a sense of cognitive dissonance, which becomes a central theme of the film. The setting—a spacious and modern lake house—contrasts sharply with the retro elements and underscores the film’s exploration of gender roles. Additionally, the inclusion of advanced companion robots juxtaposed against this backdrop of nostalgic domesticity introduces a compelling clash between the past and the future. This deliberate discord places the audience in a uniquely unsettling yet captivating environment, enhancing the thematic depth of the film and challenging viewers to consider the implications of blending cutting-edge technology with outdated societal norms.

Thrilling Narrative

“Companion” excels as a twisty thriller, captivating its audience with complex plot turns that keep them engrossed until the final moments. The film draws notable inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope,” exploring the unraveling of a seemingly perfect murder, and from Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” delving into the profound themes of humanity and the perils of playing god. Yet, the movie carves its unique path most distinctly in its critique of entitlement among white men and the pervasive damage caused by misogyny.

Central to the film’s narrative is the character Iris, whose journey transcends mere survival or romantic fulfillment. Iris’s arc is fundamentally about self-determination and asserting control over her destiny and body, whether it’s made of flesh or metal. This theme of consent, crucially positioned in the story, emphasizes her fight for autonomy against those who seek to control her, making it a powerful statement on personal agency.

Genre films often provide fertile ground for addressing significant social and political themes, and “Companion” leverages this to discuss contemporary issues within its thrilling framework. While the film’s message occasionally becomes obscured amid its complex narrative layers, Hancock’s debut feature stands out as an electrifying take on the revenge fantasy genre. Enhanced by a self-aware tone and a distinctive visual style marked by a pink-pop glow, the film melds elements of romance and horror into a sharply critical yet entertaining parable about technology, control, and societal anxieties.