Companion (2025): A Brilliant Sci-Fi or Just Another AI Thriller?

From The Stepford Wives to Ex Machina, science fiction has always been fascinated by the concept of artificial beings and how humanity interacts with them. Drew Hancock’s “Companion (2025)” continues this tradition in a satirical, slightly horror-tinged, and often darkly comedic manner—pushing the boundaries of our near-future imagination. Below, I’ll share my own opinions on how the film lands, where it soars, and if it might just be another flashy addition to the growing AI subgenre.

An Overview of “Companion”

Set in a near-future that mirrors our current reality perhaps a bit too uncomfortably, “Companion (2025)” follows the story of Iris (played by Sophie Thatcher), who at first appears to be the perfect partner: idealistic, caring, and deeply in love with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid). Their relationship is framed with a rom-com brightness—until it isn’t.

As glimpsed in the deliberately revealing marketing, Iris isn’t human. In fact, she’s an advanced artificial companion designed to be customized for a user’s every emotional (and physical) need. Director Drew Hancock’s first feature skillfully transitions from sweet romantic fluff to thrilling social commentary as soon as we discover Iris’s true nature.

But is that a cheap gimmick, or does “Companion” have staying power? While it might not reach the philosophical heights of certain classic AI films, “Companion” carries enough wit, commentary, and comedic flair that it never feels tedious. Instead, it’s a reflective—if sometimes twisted—take on toxic relationships, gender dynamics, and how technology might make them all worse.

For those keen on outside perspectives, you can also check the film’s dedicated pages here:

AI, Consciousness, and the Future

Thanks to its near-future trappings, “Companion” is sure to resonate with audiences who see the creeping prevalence of AI chatbots as romantic surrogates or emotional support tools. Much like in Her or Ex Machina, “Companion” addresses the question: Is it morally acceptable—or even possible—to truly “own” an artificial partner?

My Take: I found the film’s cynicism refreshing. Where some AI stories lean toward overblown philosophizing, Hancock’s script and direction point a laser focus on human flaws—especially among those who think a perfect “companion” will fix their own insecurities. “Companion” portrays how technology can serve as an artificial band-aid for messy emotions, sometimes with disastrous, comedic, or violent results.

Genre Mash-up: Horror, Comedy, Romance, or All Three?

Marketing for “Companion” has been, for better or worse, spoiler-heavy. But the film is intentionally difficult to classify:

Romantic Comedy: The opening is all about a meet-cute in a supermarket (itself an homage to The Stepford Wives).
Psychological Thriller: Tensions escalate quickly at a remote lake house, with secrets about who (or what) Iris really is.
Sci-Fi Satire: Themes of male entitlement, misogyny, and AI’s potential pitfalls run throughout, as the script lobs comedic potshots at the patriarchal fantasy of a “perfect partner.”
Bloody Horror: While not a straight-up horror movie, the violence and gore definitely make it more intense than your average sci-fi romp.

My Take: The blend is surprisingly cohesive. The abrupt shifts in tone are sure to keep you off-balance, and for me, that’s half the fun. You’ll be laughing at a darkly comedic line one moment and cringing at bloodshed or toxic interactions the next.

The Cast & Characters

Sophie Thatcher as Iris

Known for her standout roles in Yellowjackets and Heretic, Thatcher shines here, skillfully toggling between lovelorn girlfriend and something more unsettling as “Companion” unravels her character.
She captures everything from wide-eyed optimism to quiet outrage at discovering how she’s been manipulated.

Jack Quaid as Josh

Fresh off major roles in The Boys and Scream, Jack Quaid is a perfect fit for the “nice guy with a dark side.”
Quaid’s inherently likable presence makes Josh’s increasingly suspicious behavior that much more shocking—and, frankly, more entertaining.

Rupert Friend as Sergey

Sergey is the wealthy owner of the house where everything goes haywire. Friend hilariously plays him as a seedy yet polished figure, wielding quiet menace and comedic pomp in equal measure.

Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Lukas Gage

Suri’s frosty Kat initially seems like a simple antagonist to Iris, but her reservations run deeper.
Guillén and Gage bring genuine comedic relief as Eli and Patrick, a couple who have a surprising amount of drama of their own.

My Take: As an ensemble, they’re cohesive, with comedic jabs and tight, if occasionally exaggerated, interactions that serve the film’s heightened reality. If the story’s brand of satire clicks for you, you’ll appreciate how each cast member gets to lampoon some aspect of modern relationships.

Opinionated Highlights & Lowlights

Highlights

Dark Humor Meets Tense Plot
I love how “Companion” refuses to stay in one tonal lane. You’ll chuckle at the satirical jabs at sexbots and Instagrammable relationships, then squirm when a moment of real violence undercuts the comedy.
Efficient Use of Twists
The big reveal about Iris’s nature doesn’t just exist for shock value; it propels the narrative into interesting territory about consent, autonomy, and ownership.
Clever Social Commentary
It’s not hammered over your head, but you can’t miss the commentary on toxic masculinity and how advanced tech might empower the worst impulses in some people.
Sophie Thatcher’s Performance
Watching Iris toggle between submissive docility (per her “programming”) and emergent self-awareness is a treat—she’s comedic, tragic, and unsettling, often all at once.

Lowlights

Trailer Spoilers
Going in blind is so much better. The marketing gives away a twist that would have otherwise felt more organic when revealed inside the film.
A Few Plot Holes
“Companion” does a brisk job of world-building, but if you step back too far, you might wonder about certain motivations or technology leaps. However, the film’s playful tone makes such nitpicking less impactful.
Uneven Pacing at the End
After the final twists, I found the wrap-up slightly rushed. The film’s earliest acts are more compelling than its hurried conclusion.

Where to Watch and Learn More

You can find detailed reviews, scores, and more about “Companion (2025)” on multiple platforms:

Metacritic: Aggregated critic and user scores
Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer rating and audience reviews
IMDb: Cast list, trivia, and more
TMDb: Community-driven ratings
Wikipedia: Overview and production details
JustWatch: Streaming and rental availability
Box Office Mojo: Box office data
Movie Insider: Release info and news

Explore More on What’s After the Movie

For a deeper exploration of “Companion (2025)”, including:

A thorough movie summary
Quizzes to test your knowledge of the film’s twists and characters
Links to other movie information providers
And much more…

…be sure to visit the film’s dedicated page on What’s After the Movie. This new site is more than just a database; it’s a hub where you can dive into additional context, fun quizzes, and intriguing trivia about your favorite (and future favorite) films.

Don’t forget to check out the What’s After the Movie Blog for ongoing opinion pieces, discussions, and deeper dives into recent and upcoming releases. Whether you’re curious about behind-the-scenes details or looking for fan theories, the blog is constantly buzzing with fresh takes.

Final Word

Ultimately, “Companion (2025)” might not redefine the sci-fi landscape, but it’s a fast-paced, twist-laden thrill ride that delivers social commentary without losing its sense of fun. Its irreverent treatment of AI romance is both humorous and disturbingly familiar, cautioning viewers about a future that’s perhaps closer than we think.

If you crave a film that combines the comedic, the chilling, and the cleverly self-aware—complete with a razor-sharp look at how the worst of our impulses might be amplified by technology—then give “Companion” a watch. And if you’re on the fence, drop by What’s After the Movie to learn more, try a quiz, or see what other fans are saying. Enjoy the ride—and maybe skip the second trailer if you’d rather avoid spoilers!