What begins as a seemingly serene retreat quickly unravels, revealing hidden tensions and unsettling truths. With an AI companion at the center, the film delves into the complex relationship of human reliance on technology and artificial sentience.
Blending psychological thriller, sci-fi, and dark comedy, Companion (2025) delivers an engaging, fast-paced story that raises intriguing ethical questions about artificial intelligence, though it never lingers on them for long. The film, written and directed by Drew Hancock, maintains an accessible, even playful tone despite its dark premise. Balancing tension and humor, the script moves quickly, using comedic beats to break up its morbid core. However, while it offers a compelling survival story, its deeper themes—power, control, and the expendability of AI—remain surface-level rather than truly explored.
Visually, Companion is vivid with color and deliberate in its use of cinematography. Early scenes frame Iris’s world through soft, intimate shots, reinforcing her initial perception of love and acceptance. As her reality unravels, the camera work shifts, tighter framing, tracking shots, and calculated zooms subtly hint at the truth before Iris fully grasps it. These choices effectively align the audience with her shifting perspective, creating tension that escalates throughout the film. The production design leans into a human-like aesthetic for the AI, emphasizing a world where technology seamlessly blends into everyday life but remains disturbingly disposable.
Sophie Thatcher leads the film with a standout performance as Iris, an emotional support AI who, despite her programmed nature, becomes a character the audience deeply connects with. Her ability to shift between robotic precision and human-like emotion keeps the character compelling. Thatcher brings a nuanced physicality to the role; small hesitations, delayed reactions, and moments of programmed obedience clashing with emerging self-awareness. Even as Iris racks up a body count, her vulnerability keeps the audience invested.
Jack Quaid takes on a role that, at first glance, might seem familiar, but Companion twists his usual persona into something far more insidious. As Josh, he’s not a hapless victim or a reluctant hero. He’s manipulative, vengeful, and disturbingly entitled. He orchestrates the film’s central conflict, while attempting to avoid consequences himself. His performance captures the unsettling mix of charm and pettiness that defines his character. It’s a sharp portrayal of a character who thrives on power dynamics, and Quaid plays it with an unsettling ease.
The film’s dark humor is one of its strongest elements, keeping the tone engaging even when the story takes sinister turns. The script doesn’t dwell on the horror of its events but instead treats them with a certain detached amusement, allowing tension to build without overwhelming the audience. The music complements this balance by using eerie, minimalist electronic tones in key moments, subtly reinforcing Iris’s experience as an AI caught between obedience and survival. At its heart, Companion follows Iris, an emotional support AI who, unaware of her true nature, becomes entangled in a deadly scheme. Her boyfriend, Josh, introduces her to his friends under the guise of a casual getaway, but in reality, has a more sinister plan for her attendance. As the story unfolds, we are wrapped in an adventure that takes a twist from a couple’s retreat to a battle for survival.
While Companion doesn’t revolutionize the AI thriller genre, it provides an entertaining ride with strong performances and sharp direction. Its exploration of power and autonomy is intriguing but never fully fleshed out, opting instead for a fast-paced, character-driven story. Those expecting a deep philosophical dive into AI ethics may be left wanting, but Companion delivers for viewers seeking a tense, well-acted psychological thriller with a unique perspective. And for those still wondering, can a robot be considered a final girl? Companion doesn’t give a clear answer, but it certainly makes the question worth considering.