One day, Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is grocery shopping when an in-store accident occurs, allowing her to meet a fellow customer, Josh (Jack Quaid). The moment their eyes meet, an inexplicable connection forms between them, and they instantly seem to share a romantic and touching bond. Time has passed since the pair met and fell in love, and Josh and Iris are travelling to a lakeside estate to meet several of Josh’s friends at the home of a wealthy billionaire. Naturally, Iris is concerned about their opinions of her and their first impressions, given that she is now dating Josh.
Upon arrival, Josh is upbeat, confident, and excited to see familiar faces. However, Iris finds herself struggling to engage in conversations, and no matter how hard she tries, things are awkward and complicated. The following day, the situation for Iris only worsens when one member of the group is brutally murdered, and the only person present at the time of death is Iris. To avoid spoilers, we can’t reveal much more, but everything is not as it seems.
Companion is a psychological thriller, and I recommend that viewers know as little as possible about this film to enjoy and appreciate it fully. The story features not just one major twist but several. Drew Hancock wrote and directed the film, marking his directorial debut.

Companion introduces many innovative concepts related to technology and futurism. I also appreciate the film’s themes, such as the quest for a loyal companion and the feelings that come with it. Plus, the film carries an uplifting message suitable for all audiences old enough to access this feature. Additionally, I found lots about this film to be unique and refreshing. In addition to being a thriller, many moments in the movie are comedic and playful. Even when scenes are disturbing or awkward, you often laugh due to the characters’ situations.

The performances in the film, especially by Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, are outstanding. While I still enjoy Jack Quaid’s acting, it does feel somewhat familiar. The side performances are entertaining, but they can’t compete with the strong presence of the main leads. The sound effects are impressive, particularly the use of bass during dramatic or tense scenes. Although the film presents several twists and turns, some moments are predictable. Additionally, despite its short runtime, there are several instances where the pacing slows down significantly, particularly when we repeatedly witness flawed characters making poor choices.
Overall, Companion presents intriguing new concepts as a psychological thriller, exploring ideas about the near future. The film’s excitement and playfulness are heightened by numerous twists and turns that will both shock and amuse audiences. The leading performances from Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid are commendable, and the film delivers a clear message. However, amidst all the on-screen fun, I found certain moments less engaging, and the pacing occasionally dragged. While some twists left me in awe, many of the reveals were predictable. Despite this, Companion is a refreshing film with outstanding elements, and I highly suggest entering with as little knowledge as possible for a more rewarding experience.
Companion (2025) is available in Australian Cinemas starting on January 30th!
FILM SCORE: 7.0/10


Published: 25th January 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden

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