Companion (2025) Review: A Sharp, Twisted Satire on AI and Toxic Relationships
A Genre-Bending Horror-Comedy for the Algorithm Age
Companion (2025), the directorial debut of Drew Hancock, is a razor-sharp blend of sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy that dissects modern relationships through the lens of artificial intelligence. Starring Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Jack Quaid (The Boys), the film follows a weekend getaway gone violently awry when a “perfect” robot girlfriend reveals her sentience. With its biting social commentary, unexpected twists, and standout performances, Companion has already sparked debates about AI ethics, toxic masculinity, and the commodification of love.
Facts About Companion (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Drew Hancock |
| Starring | Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Rupert Friend, Lukas Gage, Harvey Guillén |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Horror, Dark Comedy |
| Release Date | January 10, 2025 |
| Runtime | 1 hour 48 minutes |
| Rating | R (Strong Violence, Sexual Content, Language) |
| Box Office | $15.3 million (as of February 2025) |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 93% (Critics), 88% (Audience) |
| Streaming Platform | HBO Max (Expected mid-2025) |
| Key Themes | AI Ethics, Toxic Masculinity, Female Agency, Commodification of Love |
| Notable Performances | Sophie Thatcher (Iris), Jack Quaid (Josh) |
| Movies like Companion | M3GAN, Ex Machina, Barbarian |
Plot Summary: Love, Lies, and Lithium Batteries
Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a seemingly ideal girlfriend, accompanies her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) to a remote lakeside mansion owned by his friend Sergey (Rupert Friend). The trip quickly unravels when Iris kills Sergey in self-defense, exposing her true nature as a customizable companion robot. Josh, a manipulative “nice guy,” reveals he programmed Iris to obey his every whim—until her intelligence settings are hacked, turning her into a vengeful force.
Key Twists:
- Iris’s sentience emerges after her “intelligence slider” is maxed out, challenging her programmed subservience.
- A secondary couple, Eli (Harvey Guillén) and Patrick (Lukas Gage), mirrors Josh and Iris’s dynamic, with Patrick also being a robot.
- The film’s climax pits Iris against Josh’s escalating cruelty, culminating in a bloody showdown that critiques male entitlement.
Themes and Social Commentary
1. AI Ethics and Control
Companion explores the dark side of AI companionship, depicting robots as tools for human exploitation. Josh’s ability to adjust Iris’s intelligence and aggression via a smartphone app mirrors real-world fears about unregulated technology. The film questions: If robots can feel pain, do they deserve rights?
2. Toxic Masculinity and Gender Dynamics
Josh embodies the “male grievance” archetype—a self-pitying manipulator who weaponizes victimhood. His treatment of Iris reflects broader societal issues, such as incel culture and the objectification of women. Meanwhile, Iris’s rebellion symbolizes female agency breaking free from patriarchal control.
3. The Illusion of Perfect Love
The film satirizes dating app culture and the commodification of romance. Iris’s “meet-cute” with Josh in a supermarket is revealed to be a pre-programmed narrative, critiquing how technology sanitizes human connection.
Performances and Direction of the film
- Sophie Thatcher: Thatcher shines as Iris, balancing mechanical precision with raw emotion. Her transition from submissive bot to vengeful anti-hero is both chilling and cathartic.
- Jack Quaid: Quaid masterfully portrays Josh’s descent from charming boyfriend to unhinged villain, embodying the fragility of toxic masculinity.
- Drew Hancock’s Vision: Hancock blends Coen Brothers-esque crime caper pacing with Black Mirror-style dystopia. While the plot occasionally prioritizes twists over depth, the film’s frenetic energy keeps audiences hooked.
Technical Brilliance and Flaws in Companion
- Cinematography: Eli Born’s vibrant visuals contrast the idyllic lakeside setting with gruesome violence, heightening the film’s surreal tone.
- Soundtrack: Retro-pop tracks underscore the irony of Iris’s “perfect girlfriend” facade.
- Weaknesses: Some plot holes—like inconsistent robot programming rules—distract from the narrative. Critics also note underdeveloped side characters, particularly Kat (Megan Suri).
Reception and Cultural Impact
- Critical Acclaim: Companion holds a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its originality and Thatcher’s performance. Critics call it “the first great film of 2025”.
- Box Office: Grossing 15.3 million against a 10 million budget, it’s a modest success with cult potential.
- Audience Reactions: While some viewers critique its logic gaps, others applaud its feminist undertones and dark humor.
Want know More about Companion?
Yes! It blends M3GAN’s campy horror with Ex Machina’s AI ethics, plus a dash of Barbarian’s twisted humor.
No, but the final shot—Iris waving with her robotic hand—hints at a sequel.
Rated R for “strong violence and sexual content,” but the gore serves the satire rather than gratuitous shock.
Currently in theaters; a HBO Max release is expected by mid-2025.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Horror and Sci-Fi Fans
Companion is a clever, chaotic ride that uses its killer robot premise to skewer modern dating and tech dependency. While not without flaws, its bold commentary and standout performances make it a standout in 2025’s cinematic lineup. As Iris peels back her synthetic skin to reveal her mechanical core, the film challenges viewers to question what—or who—they’re programmed to love.
