Companion: A Fun, Comedic Thriller That Avoids Being Too Clever
In a rare treat, I managed to avoid all the marketing materials for the movie Companion, walking into it without knowing its premise. This gave me a thrilling experience, as the film proved to be spoiler-proof, delightfully giving away its secrets within the first few minutes. With a premise that masquerades as a mysterious thriller, the movie quickly flips the script and lets the audience run alongside the story.
At its core, Companion is about Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a robot companion who falls deeply in love with Josh (Jack Quaid) and joins him on a weekend getaway with his friends. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Iris is not human, but rather an AI-powered girlfriend experience, designed to offer pleasure without the complexities of human relationships. But when Iris suddenly commits an act of violence that should be impossible, all hell breaks loose.
The performances are essential to the film’s success, with Sophie Thatcher delivering a standout performance as Iris. Despite being a lovebot, Thatcher brings depth and emotion to her character, making her feel authentic and relatable. Jack Quaid, as Josh, provides a strong tone-setter for the film, balancing humor and seriousness with ease.
While the movie does tackle themes, director Drew Hancock seems content to let them simmer on the backburner, rather than making them the central focus. This decision allows the film to focus on its entertaining, comedic thriller aspect, making it a fun watch without relying on self-conscious cleverness.
Ultimately, Companion is a delightful, lighthearted ride that avoids the pitfalls of trying to outsmart its audience. With strong performances and a witty tone, this movie is sure to entertain viewers without overwhelming them with complexity.