In a world where artificial intelligence and robotics technology have made frightening advancements, a New Line Cinema film releasing in theaters on Friday tackles a thrilling scenario where robotic “companions” are used to remedy loneliness in humans — often men.
“Companion” was produced by the filmmakers that created “Barbarian,” Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Zach Cregger and Roy Lee, and directed and written by Drew Hancock for his feature directorial debut. The movie seamlessly defies genre conventions as a hilarious yet thrilling cautionary tale of the dangers of becoming too reliant on artificial technologies. Hancock, who previously co-created the AwesomenessTV series “My Dead Ex,” challenges the traditional interpretation of the narrative by developing the story of the film around the premise of AI “gone right.”
Set in a remote lake house, the film follows six friends over a weekend of leisure that quickly devolves into a suspenseful and surprising narrative — being that the story reveals the robot as the most empathetic member of the group. Through this, Hancock upends traditional genre structures, creating a story with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged.
Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets”) plays Iris and a menacing Jack Quaid (“The Boys”) plays Josh, the romantic leads of the group. “Companion” subverts audience expectations by reeling in the pair as a picturesque couple that share a love and adoration for each other. However, as the film progresses, Josh’s sinister need for power and control in his personal relationships causes the couple and the friends they are visiting to lose themselves to their greed and lack of a moral compass.
While many films attempt to comment on the social phenomenon of AI and human relationships, few have navigated the genre with such wit and humor that the ensemble nails perfectly. Their chemistry in the beginning of the film helps set a tone for a comedic and thrilling hour and a half. Additionally, Megan Suri’s performance as Kat is a particular standout from the supporting cast, and audiences will leave the film wanting to see more of her onscreen.
“Companion” marks a momentous start to a year riddled with many highly anticipated films. Audiences will leave the film grateful that technology has not advanced to the point reached in the film … yet.
Overall, though the robot-human love trope is a well-traversed story in film, Drew Hancock presents a thrilling yet comedic journey that will keep audiences hooked.
