Technology has drastically changed in the past decade. Humans have pushed the boundaries of technology to a point where it has become harmful. With the increase of AI, humans have become more dependent on a quicker way to live. No one wants to work for something and be fulfilled after achieving a goal.
Sadly, this even applies to relationships. Today’s generation thinks they can try and check all the boxes in their perfect significant other, but it doesn’t work that way. You’re dating to fail if you believe that. Relationships require work, whether platonic or romantic.
In Drew Hancock’s Companion, he explores the nature of toxic relationships and how humans abuse technology to fit their narrative. Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher) seem like the perfect couple. However, Hancock reveals the fate of their relationship at the beginning. Hancock chose to have the audience in the know at all times, yet the minor twists and kills were still unpredictable.
Even though it’s straightforward, the way the kills are executed and the way it’s discovered that Iris is a robot are all effective. Sophie Thatcher delivered another killer performance and has been one of my favourite new actors. The way Thatcher portrays Iris as this docile and agreeable girlfriend is heightened when she finds out about her technological link. She begins to question what’s real and how she operates. Thatcher exaggerated her emotions and completely nailed the emotional beats of this character. Her physicality and even comedic timing were spot on and worked well alongside Jack Quaid.
The major surprise in Companion is how well Jack Quaid plays an arrogant, privileged white man with impeccable comedic delivery. Quaid is more reserved than Thatcher, and their pairing is perfect.
Josh signed up for this program to have a robot for a girlfriend. Hancock explores gender dynamics between Iris and Josh by focusing his desires on having a vulnerable woman who won’t challenge him and offer whatever he pleases. The way Josh treats Iris after losing control of her is more unsettling than the kills themselves.
However, the film does lose its footing in the last half hour. The journey to the end is laced with clever humour to comment on toxic relationships and the stupidity of being so dependent on technology. But it ultimately left a bitter taste in my mouth when Josh abuses Iris at the dinner table it became too much in pushing the boundary of the grey area of robot/human in the context of the film.
Companion is a thrilling romantic horror comedy highlighting how talented Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid are. It is a fun theatre experience because of how absurd the concept of controlling a robot girlfriend to do your dirty work on a weekend getaway with friends. Hancock’s ability to make something simple and have wicked creative execution for each little twist is truly special.
3.5/5
Review by: Amanda Guarragi
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