Released on Jan. 31, ‘Companion’ is a sci-fi thriller directed by Drew Hancock and stars Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Megan Suri, Lukas Gage, and Harvey Guillen. The film is currently rated at 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 7/10 on IMDb.
The film follows Iris played by Thatcher and Josh played by Quaid as the couple visit a friend at their “cabin in the woods.” Things take a turn for the worst when Iris gets into a scuffle with one of the other cabin residents. The trip then becomes a game of chase as Iris fights for her life and a way out of the woods.
‘Companion’ was the directorial debut of Hancock and for his first feature film, it was a good start. Through a dark but comedic lens, he was able to explore the impact AI has on humans once it becomes too sentient. Hancock also gave commentary on how men view their relationships with women, and some can make the argument that this was more haunting than his take on AI.
Thatcher stands out in her ability to play “multiple characters” while still being Iris at heart. These changes ranged from personality changes such as Iris’s intelligence affecting how she handled a situation to physical changes like adjusting her voice for the rest of the film as a part of Iris’s controls. This aspect of the role highlighted Thatcher’s ability to tweak her performance at the slightest whim which makes her fun to watch.
Starring opposite her is Quaid who’s able to hide who his character truly is until the end while dropping subtle hints along the way. These little moments might catch the viewer’s attention such as a nickname or a demand, but just like he’s not letting anything on to Iris, he’s not letting the audience on to anything. Once the mask slips, he goes all out, revealing the truth underneath.
Sasha Grossman, known for doing make-up on horror movies such as ‘Smile,’ ‘Smile 2,’ and ‘It Comes at Night,’ helped bring to life the ever-changing appearance of Iris. These look changes help signify Iris’s realization of her free will and gaining the strength to leave on her own. Without the help of Grossman and her makeup team, the film wouldn’t have this key element to help tell the story.
Costume designer Vanessa Porter really leaned into the control aspect of Iris’s life with her wardrobe. Iris’s outfits are very reminiscent of the style of the 50s and 60s all in pink. This is to represent the control Josh has over her life and how he wants her to be the “ideal woman.”
Overall, ‘Companion’ is a fun horror film that gives a deeper look into the future of AI and how that affects the treatment of women. So make sure to take your controls and drive yourself down to the theater to see ‘Companion.’
