Writer/Director: Drew Hancock
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid and Lucas Gage
‘A Remarkable Romantic Thriller’
Artificial intelligence is a dangerous entity that plays an important role in the modern century. A social network that impacts the way people behave in every way, A.I. has shaped world we live in today. A form of technology that causes pain, artificial intelligence often causes people to shed tears in the rain. Despite offering great benefits, artificial intelligence has the ability to destroy lives of people when it is often used for reasons that aren’t right. A complex machine with a strong presence, A.I. has had a massive impact on our modern technology experience. For better or for worse, artificial intelligence is an integral part of our everyday lives that has shaped our life course. If there’s one thing that is certain, A.I. is a powerful form of technology which isn’t going to go away from our lives any time soon. Given the essential role that A.I. has played in the world today, it is often depicted in movies. Films have often attempted to explain why A.I. has become a powerful machine with abilities to terrify. Cinema is a powerful art that has always captured the dangers of A.I. during a digital era.
Few films I have ever seen have captured how artificial intelligence can cause destruction as powerfully as “Companion”. Released in 2025, Drew Hancock’s movie captured the dangers of artificial intelligent girls. With his directorial debut, Hancock used inventive techniques to capture hardships which artificially intelligent robots go through. Packed with awe-inspiring production design, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best movies of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Sophie Thatcher, who plays an artificially intelligent girlfriend struggling to be the perfect female companion. Although “Companion” is a riveting romantic thriller, it isn’t a flawless film. It’s unevenly paced, and builds to an ambiguous conclusion without a resolution. Nevertheless, it offers exhilarating entertainment that will satisfy fans of artificial intelligence movies.
“Companion” tells a story of an artificial robot woman that struggles to be a companion in a romantic relationship which faces destruction. Sophie Thatcher embodies Iris, an artificially intelligent robot seeking to discover her life’s purpose. Iris has always shared a strong bond with her human boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid), whom she has always loved dearly. However, Iris’ life forever changes when she experiences a tragic accident on a weekend trip causing a disaster. Defending herself from men that are sexual predators, Iris becomes the victim of a gruesome murder. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Iris begins to wonder if it’s possible for her to have a bright future. Faced with a dilemma, Iris starts to question whether it’s possible for her to achieve happiness in a digital era. Forced to question her purpose as a robotic companion, Iris wonders if she could ever achieve life satisfaction.
Drew Hancock is a newcomer toward themes of artificial intelligence. Before he directed “Companion”, Hancock had never made a movie about artificial intelligence before. It marked the director’s first attempt to convey intense barriers faced by artificial intelligence robots, but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Hancock captures the lives of artificial intelligence robots facing tragedy. Inspired with Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, Hancock effectively uses point-of-view shoes to capture hardships artificially intelligent robots go through. For instance, point-of-view shots elevate the murder scene. During this shocking scene, Iris commits the murder of a misogynist man in an act of self-defense. Using POV shots, Hancock creates an A.I. robot which audiences can relate to. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in films. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested, POV shots elevate classic horror movies capturing scary sharks. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Through stunning visuals, Hancock crafts robots that are engaging.
Another commendable aspect of “Companion” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is well made. Hancock effectively uses production design to capture the lives of artificial robots that decline. Inspired with Alex Garland’s “Ex Machina”, Hancock uses costumes to capture the lives of artificially intelligent robots facing a dilemma. Throughout the film, Iris’ costumes showcase her personality as an artificial robot facing tragedy. For instance, costume design elebayes the runaway scene. During this tense scene, Iris goes on the run in the forest in her blood-splattered clothes. One admires strong costumes capturing tense hardships artificially robots are facing. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Hrishikesh Hirway’s commemorated music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the painful burden that artificially intelligent robots often bear. Through breathtaking production design, Hancock captures the lives of commemorated robots which experience a decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Companion” is a film that captures artificial intelligence which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and uses symbolism to capture the tensions faced by artificial robots. Evoking Spike Jonze’s “Her”, Hancock uses symbolism to capture the lives of artificially intelligent robots which engage in romantic relationships. Throughout the movie, Iris’ programming phone becomes a symbol of her A.I. Identity. For instance, the symbolism of the programming phone elevates the car escape scene. During this unforgettable scene, Iris attempts to escape Josh in his career using her programming phone for assistance. One appreciates symbolism capturing hardships that artificially intelligent machines are often facing. Through clever symbolism, Hancock creates an artificial robot that audiences can relate to. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” franchise suggested, symbolism often elevates adaptations capturing rings. Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” did suggest symbolism elevates prison films. That being said, it works immensely in this film. By a spectacular screenplay, Hancock captures the lives of A.I. today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Sophie Thatcher delivers one of her greatest performances as Iris. Thatcher first achieved appreciation for playing teenagers in horror movies. With “Companion”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to play an A.I. Robot facing tragedy but she pulled it off successfully. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before a intense, charming and emotional in her most memorable role. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase emotional range she hadn’t shown in her career before. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, desperation and grief of an A.I. Robot facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated actresses that’s currently working in the film industry today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Sophie Thatcher, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Jack Quaid is amazing, capturing the tension faced by a man in love with an artificial intelligence robot facing a heavy price to be paid. Lukas Gage is fantastic, bringing authority towards an artificially intelligent robot with aggressive tendencies that cause damage. Lastly, Rupert Friend merits appreciation. As a billionaire with sexist beliefs, he brings an air of sexual tension to the movie.
Finally, “Companion” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing artificial intelligence robots facing tension. Unlike most films about A.I., it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses powerful themes such as identity, grief and technology which will strike a chord with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of artificial intelligence to recognize it. It delivers a meaningful message regarding dangers of artificial intelligence which would impact everyone. Therefore, “Companion” is one of those rare movies about A.I. everyone will adore.
Although “Companion” is undeniably a great artificial intelligence thriller, it isn’t a flawless film. If there’s a minor shortcoming to the film, it lacks engaging pacing. Hancock’s decision to integrate subplots about gay robots into the film is bold but doesn’t succeed. Due towards this faulty technique, scenes which focus on Patrick’s romance aren’t as engaging as Iris’ journey to find her identity. Moreover, the film lacks a compelling ending. It’s an over the top conclusion that fails to bring the film towards a satisfying conclusion. Therefore, “Companion” can’t quite capture the power of A.I. which has ability to cause destruction.
Nevertheless, Fans of Sophie Thatcher will admire “Companion” and so will movie-goers which seek thoughtful entertainment. A remarkable romantic classic, it honours an actress which has built a legacy that’s iconic.
A captivating portrait of artificial intelligence causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder about the power of Cinema as a commemorated art form with the abilities to educate people about the frightening dangers of A.I. technology by manufacturing memorable movies that audiences appreciate.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 