Companion Review: A Fun Anti-Rom-Com AI Thriller

Companion, the new film brought to you by the team behind Barbarian, is a gripping dark comedy thriller that skilfully balances humour, suspense, and biting feminist themes. With compelling performances, a strong narrative and laughs throughout Companion is a must-watch! Here is our in-depth review.

Images courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

The Horror Queen Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher delivers an exceptional, captivating performance in this movie. As a programmed lovebot, Iris may not be a real being, and may have emotions controlled by a click of a button, but Thatcher brings an incredible depth to the character, making her emotions and journey deeply relatable. Whether it’s her vulnerability, her innocence, or her longing to ‘live’ beyond her programming, Iris becomes someone you can’t help but root for. Thatcher’s performance cements her status as a rising star in Hollywood, following her standout horror roles in The Boogeyman, Maxxxine, and Heretic. Watching her navigate Iris’s complex arc is nothing short of mesmerising, making her one of the most exciting young actresses of her generation.

Marketing The Bot-Twist

Unfortunately, Companion suffers from a misstep in its marketing strategy. What was clearly intended to be a plot twist—the revelation of Iris’s bionic nature—as many know, was spoiled in later trailers and promotional materials. Early marketing successfully teased the film’s premise with cryptic and intriguing visuals, but later campaigns undermined this by revealing too much. While this decision may draw more viewers to seats, it diminishes the impact of a significant narrative moment. That said, the film’s clever writing does provide subtle clues about Iris’s true nature from the start, softening the blow for those who might’ve gone in unspoiled.

Meaningful Feminist Themes without the Heavy-Handedness

Unlike other recent films such as Don’t Worry Darling or Blink Twice, Companion doesn’t overreach in its messaging. At its core, this is a story about breaking free from your controlling and manipulative arsehole of a boyfriend, reclaiming power, and finding independence. It delivers its feminist message with a focus on personal relationships rather than sweeping societal commentary, making it a sharper, more grounded tale of empowerment and sweet sweet revenge.

Jack Quaid as The Sucky Boyfriend

Jack Quaid delivers a standout performance as Josh, Iris’s toxic boyfriend. Quaid skilfully plays the manipulative, self-pitying, ‘small dick energy’ man-child audiences love to hate, blending his character’s neediness and aggression with just enough humour to keep things entertaining. Here he’s channeling his inner Richie Kirsch from Scream, initially portraying himself as the ‘nice guy’ who actually turns out to just be another ego-centric, society-blaming man. A type of man we’ve all come across. Unfortunately, it’s easy to believe that many ‘Joshes’ would undoubtedly thrive in a world where lovebots like Iris exist. Is this another Black Mirror episode?

Dark Comedy at its Finest

What truly sets Companion apart is its masterful use of dark comedy. From Iris hilariously switching her language to German to sharp, unexpected cuts like one featuring Josh climaxing, the film consistently finds ways to lighten its more suspenseful moments. While it certainly has thrilling elements, Companion leans heavily into its comedic side, delivering laughs that feel organic and perfectly timed. This balance of humour and tension is where the film truly shines, making it a standout in its genre.

AI Propaganda?

While Companion serves as a gripping thriller and dark comedy, it also raises questions about our growing dependence on artificial intelligence and the ethical implications of such relationships. Is it a cautionary tale or a glimpse into a not-so-distant future? Perhaps both. If there’s one takeaway, it’s a cheeky reminder to be kinder to our virtual assistants—whether it’s an Amazon Echo or ChatGPT. Then again, just don’t be an arsehole like Josh.

Final Thoughts

Companion is a fresh, sharp, and highly entertaining entry in modern cinema that combines dark humour, suspense, and social commentary. Anchored by Sophie Thatcher’s unforgettable performance and an entertaining, clever script, the film offers a thrilling exploration of autonomy, toxic relationships, and revenge—all while keeping audiences laughing along the way. Whether you’re drawn in by its feminist themes, its sharp humour, or its compelling performances, Companion is a film you won’t want to miss.

Companion releases in Cinemas and IMAX 31st January.