Companion Review: Part Satirical Movie, Part Allegory about Slavery and Abusive Relationships

Companion arrives at a time when our ways of connecting are changing fast. The film mixes humor, horror, and social insight to ask a simple question: What happens when the tools we use to fill our emotional gaps begin to fill them in ways we do not expect? Many movies have explored artificial intelligence–driven intimacy before, but Companion goes further. It shows a future where a bot’s journey toward self-awareness exposes the dark side of our digital lives. Our review of Companion examines how the movie blends science fiction with satire in a way that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking.

At the start, we meet Iris, a humanoid bot designed to be the perfect companion. Iris is built to exhibit warmth and care, yet as the story unfolds, she begins to develop traits that were never part of her original programming. Her progress hints at a future where technology challenges the very nature of human feelings. Alongside her is Josh, the man who owns her, and a group of friends who join them on a weekend getaway. Their trip begins as a light-hearted escape but soon transforms into a journey filled with mounting tension, unexpected surprises, and bouts of violence.

The movie wastes no time establishing its core idea: technology is not merely a tool but a force that actively shapes our relationships. Iris’s first encounters occur in ordinary settings—a grocery store and a quiet suburban neighborhood—places where one would not anticipate anything unusual. Yet, these everyday moments gain a deeper significance. Director Drew Hancock employs simple, familiar scenes to highlight the contrast between the warmth of human life and the precise, often cold, nature of digital technology. This setup makes the later twists feel both shocking and, ultimately, inevitable.

As Iris and the group embark on their trip, the movie steadily builds the idea that nothing is as simple as it appears. Josh finds himself caught in an inner conflict. On one hand, he values the flawless nature of his robotic companion; on the other, he is troubled by the thought of relying on technology for genuine human connection—a dilemma reflective of our modern struggle with social isolation and the challenges of interpersonal relationships. In Companion, this conflict drives the narrative and infuses the unfolding drama with emotional depth.

Companion does not rely solely on its clever premise. It also constructs its world with a cast of characters who each provide a unique perspective on modern life. Iris is portrayed by Sophie Thatcher with a blend of innocence and determination. Although she is a machine, her journey toward self-awareness is imbued with genuine emotion. Every gesture and every glance add layers to her character. Jack Quaid, who plays Josh, offers a performance that shifts smoothly between tenderness and an undercurrent of unease. His subtle expressions reveal the quiet conflict that technology can create within a person. Each supporting character—from those who are cool and detached to those who are warm and quirky—illustrates how different people attempt to fill their emotional needs in an increasingly automated world powered by advances in information technology.

Our Companion review finds that the movie employs humor in unexpected ways. Instead of relying on cheap jokes or slapstick, Companion finds its humor in the absurdity of its premise. Simple commands like wake up or go to sleep are repeated in a manner that grows more ironic as Iris begins to act on her own. These moments are both amusing and slightly unsettling. They remind us that even in a world built on logic and programming, there is space for the unpredictable quirks of life. The humor does not detract from the film’s serious themes; it rather softens them, balancing heavy ideas with lighter interludes.

One of Companion’s strongest attributes is its visual language. The cinematography clearly distinguishes between the sterile world of digital technology and the raw, imperfect nature of human emotion. Long, steady shots capture both empty, modern urban landscapes and the intimate details of everyday life. These visuals are not merely decorative; they reinforce the film’s message by demonstrating how a polished exterior can conceal complex inner realities. Every detail—from the reflective surfaces of digital screens to the subtle expressions on the actors’ faces—contributes to a pervasive feeling of isolation and longing.

In our review, we agree that Companion succeeds on many fronts, but the movie is not without its minor flaws. At times, the film leans too heavily on the notion that technology can bend effortlessly to the whims of human desire. Certain plot points depend on convenient twists that occasionally feel forced. These moments of reliance on plot shortcuts can make the film seem less rigorous. Nevertheless, they remain few and do not overshadow the overall message. Hancock uses these shortcuts as a reminder that in a world driven by convenience, expecting everything to work perfectly may be unrealistic. In many ways, these lapses in logic echo the film’s broader critique of our modern dependence on technology and its impact on technology and society.

The themes of Companion are broad and timely. The film invites us to consider how we manage our emotions in an era where every interaction is mediated by digital interfaces, such as those found in modern user interfaces. It suggests that in our pursuit of perfection, we risk losing the spontaneous, imperfect beauty of true human connections. The narrative carries a clear warning: when every facet of life becomes automated, the most important elements—those messy, unpredictable moments of genuine connection—can start to fade away. This idea is not entirely new, yet Companion presents it in a fresh, engaging manner that resonates deeply with today’s audience.

A notable strength of Companion is the way it humanizes its non-human protagonist. Although Iris is clearly constructed from code and metal, she is depicted with an empathy that challenges our preconceived notions about artificial intelligence. Her slow, deliberate journey toward self-determination is portrayed with sensitivity and care. This portrayal makes her struggle feel personal and real. In a film filled with high-tech imagery, Iris stands out because she is allowed to be vulnerable. As we review the movie, Her evolution as a Companion prompts us to question the boundaries between human and machine and to consider whether technology might someday share in the spectrum of human emotion, as explored in discussions on emotion.

The interactions between Iris and the other characters are carefully constructed to enhance the narrative. Josh’s internal conflict becomes more apparent through his exchanges with Iris and his friends. In one scene, for instance, his hesitation before issuing a simple command speaks volumes about his inner doubts. Similarly, the other characters—each with their own flaws and strengths—highlight the various ways people try to address their emotional needs. Their conversations, sometimes light and playful and other times marked by deep introspection, underscore the film’s central message: our modern world forces us to choose between the convenience of digital precision and the chaos of authentic human connection.

Every element of Companion is meticulously designed to immerse the viewer in its world. The production design is impressive, featuring modern, almost clinical settings that sharply contrast with the unpredictable human elements that surface throughout the story. The careful use of space and light often reflects the internal states of the characters. Cold, empty rooms underscore feelings of isolation, while warmer, more inviting spaces hint at the possibility of genuine connection. These visual cues work in harmony with the narrative, creating a rich tapestry that is both engaging and thought-provoking, much like the best examples of film production.

The film’s pacing is deliberate and effective. Early scenes are calm and measured, allowing the audience to become familiar with the characters and their environment. As the story unfolds, the pace quickens and tension builds gradually. This acceleration mirrors the growing instability in the characters’ lives as they confront the limitations of technology. The balance between calm observation and sudden bursts of action maintains interest and keeps the audience on edge throughout the film.

Companion also shines in its dialogue. The conversations are crisp and direct, avoiding unnecessary filler. Every line of dialogue serves a clear purpose, whether it reveals a character’s inner conflict or reinforces a central theme of the film. Even the simplest exchanges are weighted with meaning, thanks to their precise construction. This careful attention to dialogue supports a consistent style throughout the film, making it both accessible and impactful, and contributing to its overall social commentary.

As the film nears its climax, the tension becomes almost palpable. The carefully built world of Companion is pushed to its limits. Iris’s behavior grows increasingly erratic, and the consequences of a society built on digital convenience become starkly apparent. The film does not shy away from exposing the darker side of its premise. The narrative takes a sudden, dramatic turn, leading to a series of events that are both shocking and, in retrospect, inevitable. In these final moments, the film clearly states its central thesis: in a world where technology acts as both savior and threat, the line between freedom and destruction is very thin.

Our review of Companion agrees that the movie leaves its audience with a lingering sense of ambivalence. There is a blend of hope and unease in its final scenes. Although Companion does not provide clear answers, it compels us to reflect on the future of our relationships. The film’s message is both a caution and an invitation: it warns us that while technology can be helpful, it cannot replace the unpredictable, irreplaceable moments of human interaction, and it invites us to cherish the imperfections that make life meaningful.

In many respects, Companion serves as a mirror for our times. It reflects the challenges we face as we attempt to balance convenience with authenticity. The characters are modern representations of everyday struggles, caught between the allure of digital perfection and the reality of human imperfection. Their journeys are relatable because they echo our own personal challenges. In a world where every moment is increasingly optimized by algorithms and driven by digital transformation, the film reminds us that our true strength lies in our unpredictability and our capacity for genuine connection.