In collaboration with
- Words Kitty Robson
Ahead of the release of the hotly anticipated new genre-bending film, here's all the reasons you need to grab tickets now.
From the team behind the 2022 horror hit Barbarian comes Companion, a satirical, high-concept thriller that’s redefining the boundaries of genre. With rising scream queen Sophie Thatcher as Iris and seasoned star Jack Quaid as Josh, the film blends existential themes with razor-sharp commentary on humanity and technology, twisting and turning your expectations on their head. Directed by Drew Hancock in his bold feature debut with a stellar cast of Gen Z’s finest, here’s everything you need to know about the must-watch movie kicking off 2025…
THIS ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE ROBOT MOVIE
Exploring misogyny, technology and existentialism galore, Companion takes the A.I. trope and turns it on its head. Unexpected, unpredictable and poignant, the film delves into what it means to be sentient and to have a purpose. “It’s not A.I. gone wrong, it’s A.I. gone right,” the director explained, promising that the trailer doesn’t give it all away. Twists and turns aplenty, it’s not long before we realise there is more than meets the eye with Iris, and with her boyfriend Josh too.
THE CAST IS A WHO’S WHO OF NEXT GEN HOLLYWOOD
With newcomer Sophie Thatcher at the helm, who catapulted into the public eye in the internet’s fave show Yellowjackets, alongside renowned actor and The Boys lead Jack Quaid, Companion‘s cast brings a breath of fresh air. Euphoria and The White Lotus‘ Lukas Gage steals the screen as Patrick, the lovesick boyfriend to Harvey Guillén’s Eli, and Never Have I Ever‘s Megan Suri brings depth and perspective as Kat. All definite ones to watch in Hollywood right now, the film captures these meteorically rising stars at their very best, just as they’re emerging into the zeitgeist.
TECHNOLOGY IS DANGEROUS, BUT SO ARE HUMANS
In the same month that TikTok gets banned (and then unbanned) in America, Companion drops in cinemas. Coincidence? As conversations around Artificial Intelligence, data and technology become rife in our society, we look to art to better understand. In the world of Companion, it’s humanity itself which comes into question, we’re the ones who are building these creations after all. From incel culture to crime bots, the film isn’t afraid to delve into the reasons why we turn to technology, and turns the mirror onto the toxicity of mankind.
MEET THE DIRECTOR YOU NEED TO KNOW
Not just showing off a cast full of fresh talent, the crew behind this exciting new film is just as on-the-pulse. Television writing-directing heavyweight Drew Hancock takes on the silver screen for his directorial debut with Companion. Best loved for his work on cult-hit show Suburgatory and the playful My Dead Ex, the rising talent flexes his skill with a sharp script and even sharper performances.
MUSIC MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND
A killer film always needs a killer soundtrack, and Companion‘s is as cut-throat as they come. With a score by Hrishikesh Hirway, the highlight has got to be ‘Iris’ Theme’ hummed by Sophie Thatcher herself alongside a 12-piece string ensemble. Wistful and delicate, the composition captures the unnerving eerie nature that the star and film itself create so well whilst teasing what’s to come.
Companion is in cinemas January 31, click here to book your tickets now.