Companion

Companion feels like an extended, uncomfortably intimate episode of Black Mirror. It shares the same eerie mix of dystopian technology, cool design, and digital paranoia. Everything appears clean on the surface, but something is deeply wrong underneath. Unlike Black Mirror, which often steps back to marvel at the dark potential of technology, Companion dives into something more grounded, more personal, and more brutal. The horror here does not come from a rogue AI or a system glitching out. It comes from a man using high-tech tools not to solve a problem but to get exactly what he wants. What he wants is control, submission, and silence. The sci-fi details, such as the rented android, the customization app, and the perfectly manicured suburb, are really just a thin disguise. Beneath it all lies a far more disturbing and all-too-recognizable truth: even if you build a woman from scratch, even if she is made of code and programmed to please you, that will not stop the harm. The abuse still finds its way in. At first glance, Companion might seem like another entry in the growing list of AI-centered sci-fi films where artificial intelligence crashes into human emotion and chaos follows. But look closer, and you will see that it is not really about technology at all. It is about power, about control, about the kind of abuse that hides in plain sight, dressed up as love or connection. This is not a story about machines breaking down. It is about a man who thinks love means ownership. It is about the emotional, social, and technological systems that allow that belief to thrive. The violence in Companion is not an accident. It is the logical conclusion of the world Josh creates a world where he is never challenged, never vulnerable, and never forced to see the woman in front of him as a person. What makes Companion so haunting and so effective is how it uses AI not to speculate about the future but to hold up a mirror to the present. Misogyny does not vanish as technology evolves. It simply finds new ways to survive. When that buried female rage finally surfaces, it is not a glitch or revenge. It is survival, long overdue and deeply human. This is not really a film about the future. It is a reflection of the present. What it shows us is uncomfortable, familiar, and impossible to ignore.

At first glance, “Companion” might seem like just another weekend-getaway-gone-wrong horror flick, but don’t be fooled. Writer / director Drew Hancock has crafted an incredibly fun and intense story that blends slasher thrills, sci-fi existentialism, and a sharp feminist edge into a blood-soaked ride that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. This is so much more than an average popcorn movie, and it’s one of my favorites so far this year. The film follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a seemingly ordinary woman who joins her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) and his friends (Megan Suri, Lukas Gage, and Harvey Guillén) on a retreat to a remote cabin. The weekend takes a dark turn when secrets unravel, especially when it’s revealed that Iris is not what she seems. Without diving into spoilers, the film takes its time peeling back the layers of its characters, leading to a series of shocking revelations and a gloriously chaotic finale that fully embraces its campy, over-the-top nature. The cast delivers tenfold, with terrific lead performances from Thatcher and Quaid. She carries the film with a mix of vulnerability, strength, and eerie unpredictability, while he seems like a natural with his turn as a less-than-perfect partner. The supporting characters are well-written too, from a smarmy Russian host (Rupert Friend) to Josh’s loyal friends who get caught up in the chaos. While the story can feel familiar at times, it still manages to be wildly unpredictable. Hancock makes excellent use of the secluded setting to build suspense before unleashing the bloodbath, and he finds a good balance between comedy and horror. Beneath the fun and carnage are some serious ideas about artificial intelligence, misogyny, toxic love, and the nature of autonomy. The film critiques the way women are conditioned to cater to harmful partners, explores the illusion of “perfect” relationships, and questions what it truly means to be human. The script handles these themes with thoughtful wit, balancing tension, dark humor, and a sense of empowerment that becomes more apparent as the story unfolds. You could easily and mindlessly enjoy this film at face value, but moviegoers wanting a bit more will not be disappointed. Serving up a thrilling mix of horror, sci-fi, and feminist commentary, “Companion” is an absolute blast. Bloody, bold, and packed with fun twists, this story of power and identity is wrapped in a fun, violent, and gloriously campy package. By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS

Companion (2025) is another entry in the ever-growing “AI gone wrong” genre, but it does try to shake things up a little. The story is decent, keeping things interesting without dragging too much, though it still hits a lot of familiar beats. The twist on how the AI becomes a problem is a nice touch, but in the end, it doesn’t change the usual outcome. The climax is predictable, but it fits the film, so it doesn’t feel out of place. Visually, the movie looks great. The locations are stunning, and the cinematography really helps set the mood. The directing keeps things moving at a good pace without overcomplicating anything. Sophie Thatcher is easily the standout here, she gives a great performance and makes her character feel real. The rest of the cast is fine, but she’s the one who really carries the film. The script is simple but works for what the movie is trying to do. Some of the dialogue could have been sharper, but nothing feels awkward or forced. The music choice is solid, adding to the atmosphere without being too much. Overall, Companion is a fun watch if you like AI thrillers, but it doesn’t bring anything wildly new to the table. If you liked M3GAN, you’ll probably enjoy this too.