Companion is a brilliantly executed, twist-filled gem brimming with dark humor and just the right touch of gore. It never feels excessive or gratuitous—just enough to emphasize the violence without overshadowing the story. The film expertly maneuvers through its winding narrative, ensuring that every reaction to a revelation feels natural and earned.
Marking the feature film debut of writer/director Drew Hancock, Companion immediately establishes him as a talent to watch. His script takes the familiar structure of a murder mystery and reinvents it with a clever, refreshing twist. The first act, in particular, is laced with sharp dialogue that gains new significance as the story unfolds. Hancock’s direction in these early moments is equally subtle—only in hindsight do you fully appreciate the meticulous groundwork he lays.
At the heart of the film are Josh and Iris (Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher), whose performances demand versatility. Both actors navigate a range of emotional shifts and psychological transformations throughout the film, showcasing their depth and talent. If you were already impressed by their past work, this film will only solidify your admiration.
Iris's obsessive fixation on Josh fuels tension among his friends, particularly Kat (Megan Suri), and as self-doubt gnaws at her, the group’s weekend retreat to a secluded cabin spirals into chaos. What follows is a blood-soaked rollercoaster of shocking twists, razor-sharp humor, and an inventive play on rom-com, thriller, and horror tropes—somehow managing to feel fresh rather than formulaic.
Sophie Thatcher delivers an electrifying performance as Iris, capturing a slow-burning unease that seeps through the screen. As the story hurtles toward its first major twist, the suspense tightens like a vice, leaving you on edge, anticipating the inevitable explosion. Her ability to shift between raw desperation and eerie composure as Josh manipulates her emotions is nothing short of mesmerizing. With Companion, alongside her standout roles in Heretic and MaXXXine, Thatcher cements herself as the reigning scream queen of the moment.
The supporting cast holds its own, but special recognition goes to Rupert Friend, whose portrayal of Sergey is both unforgettable and magnetic. The film’s minimalistic setting—just a handful of locations—enhances the sense of isolation, making Iris’s predicament all the more suffocating and urgent. As she fights for escape, the tension becomes almost unbearable.
Tightly edited, the film wastes no time—every scene, joke, and brutal moment serves a purpose. It knows when to slow down and let tension simmer, but it also delivers exhilarating bursts of action exactly when needed.
Beyond its thrills, Companion subtly invites viewers to reflect on deeper themes, though it never feels preachy. Instead, it packages its message within an experience that’s as smart as it is entertaining. While it may not shift your entire worldview, one thing is certain—you’re in for an absolutely gripping ride.
