#review: Companion adds AI to breaking up

David Ho tunes in to Companion ahead of Valentine's Day

Iris (played by Sophie Tatcher) has the perfect romance. She met Josh (Jack Quaid) at a grocery store, where he clumsily but charmingly knocks over a display of oranges while trying to smooth talk her. Since that rom-com like beginning, it’s been a dream come true and Iris is hopelessly devoted to Josh.

So understandably, Iris is a bit jittery when Josh whisks her off to a getaway with friends. She wants to make a good impression on his pals, one of whom she feels already has a dislike of her. Unfortunately, it all goes awry at the gathering…

Now if you have watched the trailer for Companion, you’ll have already learnt the big plot twist of the film. In a way, the film is hurt majorly by its trailer, ruining the surprise. It could definitely take a note or two from how Blink Twice gave us a basic premise without taking away the suspense.

Though we see they are trying to go full circle with it, the film’s opening monologue also gives away too much about how the film concludes. So if you are very much averse to knowing too much beforehand, please do yourself a favour and avoid the trailer for a better viewing experience.

(Mild spoiler alert)

But if you have already seen it, you’ll know the Black Mirror-esque revelation here is that Iris’ devotion to Josh isn’t entirely natural. Turns out he’s a rented robot that is specifically programmed to be an ideal girlfriend for Josh, including being set at a 40 percent intelligence rate and happy with sex-on-demand.

Reversing the trend of other android movies like Terminator and M3gan, Iris finds herself a pawn in a more sinister plan and ends up being the one hunted down after killing the host of their getaway.

At first glance, Companion seems like it would be a statement on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or its sentiency. Instead, its focus is on something much older and scarier – violent misogyny. Behind the initial nice guy facade, Quaid’s Josh is very reminiscent of the incels that lurk behind faceless accounts online and espouse the toxic masculinity of those like Andrew Tate.

Despite revealing their cards too early, the premise of Companion is rich enough for the movie to survive the fumble. Drew Hancock’s first round directing a feature is engaging enough, with action aplenty and a gauzy 60s vibe for a futuristic setting. But his script could afford to be sharper to make it a truly great piece of work, which is a bit of a surprise considering how extensive his TV writing career has been.

If Companion had leaned in more on certain elements, like suspense (like the aforementioned Blink Twice), gore or camp (like Jennifer’s Body), it could really be elevated into a cult classic. Instead, we get a middle-of-the-road production with dashes of horror, sci-fi, and dark comedy.

But that’s not to say this film isn’t an enjoyable watch. Thatcher is already a scream queen to watch with previous credits like The Boogeyman and Heretic. Companion makes for another fine feather to add to her horror cap.

The dawn of emotional support robots is very well upon us, which has been evident ever since Tamagotchis became mainstream. Companion joins an already long list of films that explore the potentials horrors that await with its misuse. It flips the script by turning it into a reflection of the dark natures of its users. It’s not as subversive as it aims to be, but provides a fun first horror outing for 2025.

Verdict: It’s nothing you haven’t seen before but this robotic Stepford Wife is still worth a watch.

Also see: #review: Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore unite in The Room Next Door