Writer/Director: Drew Hancock
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid and Lukas Gage
‘A Riveting Romantic Thriller’
Artificial intelligence is a dangerous entity which has shaped our lives in the modern century. A social network that influences the way individuals interact in every way, artificial intelligence has shaped the world today. On a personal level, I find the powerful nature of artificial intelligence to be relatable. At an early age, I formed a relationship with a classmate that was fascinated by artificial intelligence. A promising young woman, she was determined to fight oppression. She was the most courageous girl in my school that refused to be treated by boys with ridicule. It didn’t take long before I bonded with a girl that appreciated artificial intelligence which was complicated. In a prejudiced country pushing women aside, she became a person in whom I could easily confide. She became a close companion giving me a lifelong artificial intelligence appreciation. However, sexual identity brought bonds to a sudden closure. During a trip to London, she became a lesbian. As a friendly gesture, I attempted to contact her on Twitter. Reacting in a hostile manner, she blocked me from her profile. As mysterious as an A.I., I couldn never explain why she became cruel in the blink of an eye. No longer a girl I adore, she became a total stranger that I didn’t recognize anymore. Years later, I am haunted by heartbreaking memories of a girl that changed my understandings of artificial intelligence technology forever.
As someone treasuring a companion that adored artificial intelligence with passion, I admired “Companion”. Released in 2025, Drew Hancock’s movie captured artificial intelligence technology. Packed with breathtaking set-design, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best movies of the year. At the centre of it all is Sophie Thatcher, who portrays an artificially intelligent robot facing tragedy. Although “Companion” a captivating thriller, it isn’t a flawless film. It’s unevenly paced, building an ambiguous conclusion. Nevertheless, it offers exhilarating entertainment that will satisfy fans of A.I. movies.
“Companion” tells the story of an artificial robot woman that struggles to be a perfect companion. Sophie Thatcher embodies Iris, an artificial intelligent robot seeking to discover her life’s purpose. Iris has always shared a strong bond with her human boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid). However, Iris’ life forever changes when she faces an accident causing a disaster. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Iris begins to wonder if she can ever please her lover. Questioning her purpose as a companion, Iris wonders if she could ever achieve life satisfaction.
Drew Hancock is a newcomer towards themes of artificial intelligence. Before he directed “Companion”, Hancock had never made a movie about A.I. in his career before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of artificial intelligence robots causing tragedy but he succeeded tremendously. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, Hancock uses point-of-view shots to capture an A.I. robot facing a dilemma. For instance, POV shots elevate the grocery store scene. During this heartfelt scene, Iris recalls fond memories of meeting Josh for the first time in a grocery store. It brought back fond memories of my meeting with a girl appreciating artificial intelligence technology. POV shots are tricky techniques. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested, POV shots elevate classic horror movies about scary sharks. Nevertheless, the shots work in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Hancock captures hardships an A.I. robot is facing.
Another commendable aspect of “Companion” that deserves appreciation is the production. 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 elevates the runaway scene. During this tense scene, Iris goes on the run in the forest in her blood-splattered clothes. It reminded me of a girl that defied social expectations becoming a lesbian in a country where homosexuality wasn’t accepted. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Hrishikesh Hirway’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing burden that A.I. robots often bear. Through production design, Hancock captures robots facing 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 bids emotional farewell to Josh after escaping him in his car. It reminded me of my grief saying goodbyes to a girl that rejected me on social media leaving me emotionally devastated. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” franchise suggested, symbolism elevates adaptations capturing rings. That being said, it works in this film. Through a spectacular screenplay, Hancock captures A.I. today.
One appreciates astonishing 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. 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 A.I. robots facing tension. Unlike most films about A.I., it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses themes such as identity, grief and technology. It delivers a meaningful message about 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. Hancock’s decision to integrate subplots about sexual robots into the film is bold but it hinders the pacing. 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 without clear resolution. Therefore, “Companion” can’t capture the capabilities of A.I. causing destruction.
Nevertheless, fans of artificial intelligence movies will definitely enjoy “Companion” and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A captivating thriller about artificial intelligence, it proves stories of A.I. deserve an audience.
A powerful portrait of artificial intelligent robots in romantic relationships that deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder about the power of Cinema as a commemorated art form that can educate audiences about dangers of A.I. making people aware about the dark side of a misunderstood technology with abilities to manipulate.
As strong as Iris’ desire to overcome sexism, it has motivated me to move on several years after breaking ties with a lesbian girl that threw a heartbreaking tantrum on social media by treasuring fond memories of a commemorated companion whose wisdom about A.I. motivated me to accomplish my dreams of film criticism.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 