In a world increasingly impacted by and relying on artificial intelligence, a new feature from New Line Cinema questions a not-to-distant future where humans have harnessed robotic technology’s power for their personal gain.
Directed by Drew Hancock, “Companion” follows a crumbling relationship.
between a man and his robot girlfriend. The film explores the implications of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies on personal and technological relationships. During a virtual round table discussion with college media outlets on Sunday, Megan Suri, an actress in the film, said that the film’s themes made her think twice about how advancements in technology take away from face-to-face interaction.
“A huge part of why I believe the ‘loneliness epidemic’ exists right now … is because we’re so disconnected from real human connection,” Suri said. “That was something that (“Companion”) really highlighted, being that these kinds of AI companions exist right now. And, what is that saying about what we’re trying to do as a human race?”
For Hancock, taking the idea in his head to a big-screen feature film proved challenging. He needed to overcome the
perfectionism he felt when first stepping on set and embrace the collaborative nature of filmmaking. In that way, the making of the film itself spotlighted its message of valuing human connection.
“There’s kind of beauty in embracing the fact that it’s not going to reach that because then it becomes a collaboration, and it becomes like, ‘Oh, it’s not just my job to figure everything out,’” Hancock said. “I can lean on everyone.”
Stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid reflected on advice they would give to their characters. Thatcher mentioned the importance of working on your relationship with yourself before trying to get with someone else.
“It’s really important to know yourself and to try to love yourself, because it’s really hard to love yourself, but to put in that effort before entering a relationship,” Thatcher said. “I think that will make for a stronger, healthier relationship.”
Quaid highlighted the similarities between the needs of his character Josh and Thatcher’s character Iris.
“I think it’s funny. I feel like Josh’s is similar — he doesn’t love himself at all. That’s what makes him do despicable things,” Quaid said. “My advice for Josh — I would just shout at him, ‘Go to therapy, immediately. Please go to therapy.’”