There was never any question that I’d be watching Companion. As a massive Yellowjackets fan, much of my love for the show comes from Sophie Thatcher’s incredible performance as Natalie. So when Showcase Cinema announced mystery horror screenings, I had a strong suspicion that Presence and Companion would be on the lineup, and I didn’t hesitate to book my tickets immediately.
In Drew Hancock’s feature directorial debut, Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher) first cross paths in an ordinary grocery store encounter before heading off for a weekend retreat at a secluded lakeside cabin. Hosted by Sergey (Rupert Friend), the billionaire boyfriend of Josh’s friend Kat (Megan Suri), the getaway quickly takes a tense turn as it becomes clear that not all of Josh’s friends welcome Iris.
The situation escalates when Sergey is murdered, but this shocking event is only the beginning. As secrets unravel, each guest is forced to confront unsettling truths, turning the weekend into a nightmarish descent into chaos.
Companion is a visually striking film, with every detail meticulously crafted — from the stunning cinematography and breathtaking scenery to Iris’s impeccable costumes and the seamless special effects. I almost let my guard down, questioning whether this was truly a horror film, until the moment a certain characters was bathed in blood, in scenes that instantly evoked memories of Carrie.
The performances are top-tier across the board. Sophie Thatcher is phenomenal as Iris, but it’s Jack Quaid and Megan Suri who truly excel at making Josh and Kat almost unbearably loathsome.
More than anything, it was just great to watch a horror film with a solid, well-thought-out plot. I won’t lie, I spent most of the night after watching Companion running it over in my head, not just caught up in the twists but totally unsettled by the moral dilemmas it dredges up.
As always with horror films, I made sure to go in knowing as little as possible, and I firmly believe that this is the best way to experience Companion. The twists and revelations hit hardest when discovered in real time on the big screen, completely free of spoilers.
Blending elements of sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy, Companion explores themes of artificial intelligence, morality, and the darker aspects of human nature. An excellent five out of five stars. Director Drew Hancock already has another horror film in the works—here’s hoping it delivers the same thrilling originality and sheer entertainment as this debut.★★★★★
