When I heard Companion came from the producers of Barbarian, I was sold.
Much like with that quirkily acclaimed 2022 horror, this movie thrives on surprises –
the less you know going in, the better.
Honestly, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe don’t read my review. Just go in blind. Trust me, if you love fun, unpredictable horror, this one’s worth your time.
Still need convincing? Fine, let’s get into it.
The story sees Jack (Jack Quaid from The Boys) and his girlfriend Iris (Heretic’s Sophie Thatcher), who arrive at a secluded lakeside house for a weekend with his friends.
From the start, Iris feels like an outsider, convinced the group – especially the sharp-tongued Kat (Megan Suri) – doesn’t like her. And she’s not imagining it. Eli (Harvey Guillén) and Patrick (Lukas Gage) largely ignore her; the house’s wealthy and predatory owner, Sergey (Rupert Friend), watches her a little too closely; and Kat makes it painfully clear she resents Iris, even hinting that there’s something . . . not quite right about her.
She’s right. Iris isn’t just Jack’s girlfriend – she’s a ‘companion’ robot. Marketed as an emotional support partner at best and a high-tech sex toy at worst, she’s not in control of herself. That power belongs to Jack, who manages her through an app on his phone.
But then, something shifts. As a result, Iris begins to regain control. And when she does, the weekend spirals into chaos.
One of Companion’s greatest strengths is its ensemble cast, all of whom get to play with a range of emotions as the story unfolds. What starts as a traditional ‘group of friends at a lake house’ setup, quickly twists into something else entirely, demanding more from the actors as the film progresses. Everyone rises to the challenge, balancing tension, humour, and horror with ease. Thatcher, in particular, delivers a standout performance, bringing layers of vulnerability, curiosity, and menace to Iris as she evolves.
If I had one criticism, it’s that Companion tries to be a lot of things without fully committing to any of them. It’s funny, but not quite a comedy. It’s gory, but not full-on horror. It introduces intriguing sci-fi elements but doesn’t completely explore its world.
But despite one or two misgivings, the film pretty much had me hooked from start to finish, and watching the cast embrace the twists and turns made it all the more entertaining.
If you’re looking for a movie that keeps you guessing and isn’t afraid to have fun along the way – Companion will hold your hand to the very end.
Rating: 3.5/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Jack Quaid, Sophie Thatcher, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillen & Rupert Friend
Running Time: 1 Hr 37 Mins
Director: Drew Hancock
For all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux & Odeon Luxe cinemas go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and www.odeon.co.uk
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