A unique sci-fi thriller with some twists that I never saw coming, Companion, about a weekend away with friends that goes awry, kept me constantly wondering what would happen next.
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t do scary movies. I don’t enjoy them and, innately, I stay away from them because the music and images will stick in my head. So, when I first saw this film in previews, I closed my eyes. The music and vibe made me feel like it was fairly creepy, but my son, who has been pushing me to watch it, was right. It’s not.
Companion is about Josh, a guy who is dating Iris. Driving up to a weekend away with two other couples, Iris is concerned that Josh’s friend, Kat, doesn’t like her. After arriving and spending some casual social time together, things go awry when Iris discovers that she is an android.
This is a science fiction thriller with a romantic angle. There are some fairly gruesome deaths, but they aren’t any different from the carnage you’d see in John Wick and they aren’t scary. That said, let me leave a domestic abuse trigger warning, because there is a scene that may be disturbing for some viewers.
Companion is not what you think it will be, so be prepared for a very spirited and surprising ride. Kudos to writer and director Drew Hancock for the creativity that went into this entire creation because it is not something you’ve seen before. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I heard a few, “Oh My God!”’s escape my mouth.
The entire cast is extremely likeable, led by a vulnerable and determined Sophie Thatcher (as Iris) and a charismatic Jack Quaid (as Josh). There is only one character that you don’t like, and, luckily, he dies early on.
The one word that I keep coming back to with this film is “fun.” It’s such a general word, but it fits Companion extremely well. The different concept is fun and incredibly interesting. The storyline is fun and thrilling. The pace of the film is fun and keeps you dug in. The twists are fun and shocking. The entire experience is just a really good time.
Companion is a fresh idea that you’re going to really enjoy. I won’t say much about the plot because that would be ruining the experience for you, so I highly suggest that you go into this movie blind. It is suspenseful and exciting and I think you’re really going to like it.
Runtime: 96 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Available: Free on Max and Hulu, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t do scary movies. I don’t enjoy them and, innately, I stay away from them because the music and images will stick in my head. So, when I first saw this film in previews, I closed my eyes. The music and vibe made me feel like it was fairly creepy, but my son, who has been pushing me to watch it, was right. It’s not.
