Ticketworthy! Presenting: Companion

Companion does not want you to get the wrong idea about what kind of movie that it is. The opening dialogue, a voiceover from Iris (Sophie Thatcher), tells us that the two happiest moments in her life were the day she met her boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid), and the day that she killed him. It’s good that we have this warning right out of the gate, because the rest of the first act gives the impression of a standard-issue romantic comedy, complete with a charming boyfriend and a sappy meet-cute. However, knowing that things will go fatally wrong at some point gives every sugary sweet declaration of love and meaningful glance an air of tension that brilliantly sets the tone for the entire movie.

Companion shines when it dances between genres and defies expectations. Just when it settles into the romance, it masterfully switches gears and throws in a murder, a criminal plot, and the revelation that Iris is really a robot “companion” designed to love Josh unconditionally. Every memory she has of her life before him, including their meeting, was programmed into her to give her a more realistic personality. Everything would have continued in peace, Iris blissfully unaware of her true nature, if Josh hadn’t modified her programming to allow her to kill, which she immediately does, forcing him to finally tell her the truth. Suddenly, the romance film has become a sci-fi thriller/slasher.

The dynamic between Josh and Iris is easily the best part of the movie, and both actors do a fantastic job. Thatcher’s submissive, meek performance evolves naturally into a fiercely independent, cynical, and angry portrayal of a woman scorned and abused. Meanwhile, Quaid brings the affable charm and sharp comedic timing that he is quickly becoming known for, while also being believable as a selfish, narcissistic incel with a violent streak. The film relies heavily on them to carry it, and thankfully they are more than equal to the task.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most of the rest of the cast. It isn’t that anyone does a poor job, it’s simply that their roles in the plot are so tiny as to be almost unimportant. The first time Iris and Josh arrive at their friend’s cabin and meet their fellow houseguests, it’s clear that these are just bodies meant to pad the movie’s slasher credentials. It’s a real shame, because there was plenty of talent in the cast to go around, they just never had much of a chance to show it off. In particular, Patrick (Lucas Gage), feels completely wasted despite turning in the most compelling performance aside from the two leads. I could have watched another hour of him coming to terms with his own heartbreaking history. Instead, he’s given just a few speaking lines and simply removed from the plot the moment he is no longer useful to it.

Because there isn’t much focus on anything or anyone other than Iris and Josh, the movie could easily have become boring and repetitive. At times, it does feel like it’s getting there. However, at 97 minutes long, it wisely doesn’t try to do too much and has very little time for the plot to pause or stall. Combine this with solid directing, cinematography, and sound design (the movie truly is an audio and visual treat, full credit to the director and crew), and you get a movie that will likely satisfy most watchers.

I suspect that Companion is going to be talked about fondly among other modern horror/thrillers like Get Out, Ready or Not, or The Menu. It never quite reaches the heights of some of those predecessors, and there’s an argument to be made that it’s not entirely the same kind of movie in the first place. Still, it holds its own well. If you are looking for a fun, thrilling, smart, and genuinely funny time at the theater, I recommend Companion.