Companion (2025) Review: A Sci-Fi Thriller That Redefines AI Horror

In our near-future world of ever-advancing artificial intelligence, Companion (2025) arrives to ask tough questions about how technology interacts with our most intimate relationships, culminating in a unique mix of satire, sci-fi, and dark horror comedy. From writer-director Drew Hancock (making his remarkable feature debut), Companion introduces an ensemble of characters whose quiet weekend getaway turns into a nightmarish spree of tense confrontations and shocking discoveries.

If you’re actively trying to avoid spoilers, consider skipping the trailer (which reveals a major plot element early on). Plenty of surprises lie in wait if you go in blind—though you’ll quickly discover that Companion is as much a reflection on toxic masculinity and relationship power dynamics as it is a chilling exploration of AI autonomy.

A Quick Word on the Marketing

Several references and early trailers for Companion give away its initial shocking reveal—an element we’ll try to dance around, if only to preserve the joy of discovery. Nevertheless, the film’s tonal surprise is powerful even if you know the basic premise. The marketing team behind Companion did something similar to last year’s Barbarian, in which the advertising hinted at a twist without fully spoiling the film’s multi-genre approach.

But if you want the purest experience, you may want to avoid second trailers or in-depth promotional materials. The unfolding of events—especially across the film’s first 20 minutes—constitutes one of its greatest strengths.

Plot and Premise

“There have been two moments in my life when I was happiest. The first was the day I met Josh.”
– Iris (Sophie Thatcher), opening narration

Set in a not-too-distant future, Companion follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid), an affectionate, if somewhat mismatched, couple. At first, they seem like polar opposites: Iris is elegant, timelessly styled, and brimming with a desire to please. Josh, by contrast, is awkward yet charming. When we first see them, they’re heading to a picturesque lake house for a weekend with close friends:

Eli (Harvey Guillén): Sarcastic, but warm.
Patrick (Lukas Gage): Easygoing and gentle.
Kat (Megan Suri): Edgy, outspoken, and harboring simmering resentment.
Sergey (Rupert Friend): A wealthy, shifty Russian who owns the property.

Tensions surface quickly. Kat resents Iris for reasons not immediately clear. Sergey, who sees Kat as another item in his growing “collection,” harbors a barely disguised predatory streak. And then, after a night of partying, the group awakens to an unwanted sexual advance—followed by bloodshed—that upends any notion of a relaxing getaway. With an incident that seemingly everyone but Iris expected, the film shifts from a typical cabin-weekend flick to a mind-bending sci-fi satire about the boundaries of personal freedom—and what happens when we push AI (and each other) too far.

Clever Genre Mash-Up

Companion defies easy categorization. Its first act starts off like a romantic dramedy, morphs into a crime-thriller, and then transitions into sci-fi horror. Throughout it all, Hancock’s screenplay navigates an incisive commentary on gender roles, modern alienation, and the insidious ways we try to control one another—whether through technology, manipulation, or social coercion.

Borrowing elements from:

The Stepford Wives (1975)
Ex Machina (2014)
M3GAN (2023)
Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
and perhaps even Alex Garland’s dystopian reflections,

…Companion weaves them into something wholly new. It speaks to our growing reliance on artificial intelligence and the moral dilemmas that arise when technology starts eroding our lines between authentic relationships and fabricated illusions.

Key Performances

Sophie Thatcher as Iris

Fresh from her standout performances in shows like Yellowjackets and projects like Heretic, Sophie Thatcher brings an otherworldly poise to Iris. At times, she’s a picture of placid devotion—exactly the sort of perfect partner you’d imagine for a lonely soul. Yet as the film progresses, Thatcher masterfully unveils Iris’s internal conflict, shifting from naive victim to awakening participant in events far beyond her control.

Jack Quaid as Josh

Best known for his role in The Boys, Jack Quaid plays Josh with effortless charm that slowly unravels to reveal unsettling undercurrents. Quaid has shown in previous roles that he can flip from “lovable dork” to “malevolently off-kilter” in a heartbeat. That duality forms the crux of Companion: is Josh simply misguided, or is there something more dangerously entitled festering beneath his veneer of decency?

Harvey Guillén, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, and Rupert Friend

Harvey Guillén provides comic relief and earnestness as Eli, though he’s hardly a one-note jokester.
Lukas Gage surprises as Patrick, particularly in the latter half of the film, where his character gets more depth.
Megan Suri shines as Kat, the tough friend with well-founded cynicism, though her reasons for disliking Iris carry unexpected weight.
Rupert Friend goes full-throttle in a role that underscores the film’s commentary on possession and dominion—owning the property, and perhaps wanting to own the people in it, too.

Thematic Undercurrents

AI and Autonomy
In an era where technology shapes more and more of our human interactions, Companion highlights our vulnerability to seeing others as disposable. The moral quandary of “playing God” with artificial life permeates the plot, reminding us of older classics like Blade Runner but with a decidedly comedic and satirical twist.
Power Dynamics and Toxic Control
Josh’s manipulative behavior and Sergey’s objectification of Kat speak to broader societal issues about entitlement and domination. How far would someone go if they could program their partner’s every move, feeling, or memory?
Societal Alienation
Despite the comedic beats and witty banter, Companion is unafraid to show how technology can amplify a sense of loneliness. When people can custom-build “ideal companions,” do they opt out of genuine connection?
Gender Politics
Much like The Stepford Wives, Companion reveals the unraveling horror of a future in which real women are replaced—or feel replaceable—by manufactured ideals. The question becomes: can humanity survive when half of its population is seen as something that can be “programmed” and “shut off?”

Dark Humor and Sharp Direction

Drew Hancock’s comedic roots shine through. The film’s darkest moments are often punctuated by surprisingly funny lines—an almost reflexive gallows humor that keeps Companion from feeling bleak. Scenes involving unexpected car trouble, comedic banter while disposing of evidence, or accidental phone setting changes (leading to sudden language switches) bring levity amidst the mayhem.

Hancock’s direction matches the film’s tone changes:

Tense, extended tracking shots during key reveals.
Brief, punchy edits showcasing comedic timing.
Atmospheric needle drops—though sometimes deployed a bit too frequently—to maintain a dreamlike sense of dissonance against the violence on-screen.

Why You Should Watch Companion

Fans of Multi-Genre Thrills: If you enjoyed the dramatic shifts in Barbarian or the satirical jabs of The Menu, you’ll find Companion offers a similarly invigorating ride.
Thought-Provoking Themes: Love a good discussion about AI ethics, the possibility of “designer” relationships, and how these developments might reflect on our own society? Companion invites those conversations without feeling like a lecture.
Ensemble Cast Performance: There’s a sense of real camaraderie—and tension—among the film’s central group. From comedic beats to more horrific turns, each actor delivers layered nuance.

Where to Learn More

Curious about the critical reception and how this film measures up on various aggregators? Check out:

Metacritic for a compiled critic and user score.
Rotten Tomatoes for the ever-popular “Tomatometer” gauge.
IMDb for cast/crew trivia, production details, and user reviews.
TMDB for community ratings, images, and more.
Wikipedia for a broader historical and production context.
JustWatch for streaming availability and watch options.
Box Office Mojo for financial performance, box office data, and release specifics.
Movie Insider for release updates, distribution info, and official teasers.

Pro Tip: If you’re seeking further insights, movie trivia, quizzes, behind-the-scenes tidbits, or aggregated reviews from other platforms, be sure to visit the film’s dedicated page on What’s After the Movie. On WhatsAfterTheMovie.com, you can delve into a full movie summary, fun quizzes that challenge your knowledge of Companion, and find direct links to other review portals—all in one place.

You can also find more articles on the official What’s After the Movie blog, where you’ll see new reviews, fan theories, and upcoming features—perfect for the dedicated movie buff.

Final Thoughts

Companion (2025) thrives on balancing its sly humor with genuine horror and futuristic speculation. It’s a genre-jumping film that starts off feeling familiar before yanking you into far more satirical—and violent—territory. While there are echoes of many sci-fi cautionary tales (such as Ex Machina or The Stepford Wives), Companion finds its own voice by cleverly attacking the themes of incel culture, male grievance, and our collective hunger for convenience in relationships.

Ultimately, it’s an assured first feature from Drew Hancock, firmly placing him among the talents who can merge comedic skill with razor-sharp social commentary—comparable to the transitions of Jordan Peele, Danny McBride, or Zach Cregger from comedic backgrounds into high-impact horror/sci-fi. The film’s satirical edge, combined with strong performances by Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, ensures that Companion lingers in your mind, prompting questions about just how far we’ll let technology govern our humanity.

Should You Watch It?

Absolutely—if you love multi-faceted genre flicks loaded with twists, satire, and a vivid commentary on AI’s ethical gray zones. Whether you stream it after checking out JustWatch or read up on it first on What’s After the Movie, Companion is sure to spark lively conversations long after the credits roll.

This review is featured on the What’s After the Movie blog. For more insights, quizzes, and related content on **_Companion (2025)**, visit its dedicated movie page on **What’s After the Movie**._