Companion (2025): The AI Romance Thriller That Redefines Modern Cinema

What happens when love and artificial intelligence collide in ways that are both heartwarming and chilling?

Enter Companion, Drew Hancock’s feature directorial debut, a film that doesn’t just flirt with genre conventions—it plays with them, turns them inside out, and then asks you to think about what it all means.

With a modest $10 million budget and a stellar cast, this isn’t your average AI thriller. It’s a bold exploration of control, connection, and what it really means to be human.

Companion Movie (2025): More Than Your Typical AI Thriller

Most films about artificial intelligence lean into mystery and slow-burn revelations (Ex Machina or M3GAN, anyone?).

Not Companion. The movie lays its cards on the table early: Iris (Sophie Thatcher) isn’t human.

She’s a robot companion, a high-tech answer to loneliness. But here’s the twist—the big question isn’t what Iris is, but how she navigates the chaos she’s thrown into.

The movie’s true genius lies in showing you the fallout rather than hiding behind third-act surprises.

Critics have praised this fresh approach, noting how the film “subverts expectations” by focusing on human dynamics instead of just technological horror.

It’s a risky move, but one that pays off in spades.

Companion Cast: A Team That Delivers

Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher in Companion (2025)

Let’s talk about the cast. Sophie Thatcher brings a rare vulnerability to Iris, making her feel both artificial and heartbreakingly real.

Her journey is captivating, and her performance ensures you’ll feel every one of her programmed (and unprogrammed) emotions.

Opposite her, Jack Quaid is the perfect foil as Josh—a man grappling with control he doesn’t fully understand.

The supporting cast isn’t just there for background noise. Lukas Gage and Megan Suri shine as Patrick and Kat, adding layers of tension to the story.

Meanwhile, Harvey Guillén’s Eli and Rupert Friend’s Sergey add sharp perspective shifts that make every interaction pop.

This ensemble doesn’t just act—they make you question who’s really pulling the strings.

What Is Companion About? Relationships Under Pressure

The movie takes place in a secluded cabin—a setting you’d expect to host a slasher flick.

Instead, it becomes a crucible for exploring power, authenticity, and relationships gone wrong.

As tensions rise, the cabin morphs into a stage where love and control are dissected with surgical precision.

Metro News called the cabin a “pressure cooker,” amplifying the emotional stakes and forcing the characters—and the audience—to confront unsettling truths.

It’s not just about AI; it’s about what AI says about us.

Drew Hancock’s Vision: A Fresh Take on Genre Filmmaking

Drew Hancock’s background in television (Blue Mountain State, Suburgatory) might not scream “dark sci-fi thriller,” but his feature debut is nothing short of a revelation.

He avoids cheap tricks and instead crafts a narrative that’s equal parts thoughtful and entertaining.

Hancock’s decision to focus on character dynamics over flashy effects is a masterstroke.

Some critics applaud his ability to blend dark humour with social commentary, making Companion as relevant as it is engaging.

And let’s not forget: his commentary on modern loneliness is as sharp as it is unsettling.

Adding to this, Hancock worked closely with a production team featuring Zach Cregger and Roy Lee—names synonymous with hits like Barbarian—ensuring the film’s blend of tension and dark comedy hit the mark.

Companion Movie Trailer: To Watch or Not to Watch?

Here’s where it gets tricky. The teaser trailer gives just enough to intrigue, but the full trailer?

It spoils some of the narrative’s best twists. Some critics recommend going in blind if you want the full experience.

But if you’re the curious type, even the spoiler-heavy trailer doesn’t rob the film of its impact—it’s that good.

The Ethics of Love and Control

What would you do if you could program the perfect partner? Would it really make you happy, or would it just magnify your own flaws?

These are the questions Companion forces its audience to grapple with.

It’s not the technology that’s scary—it’s what the technology reveals about us.

Themes of consent, commodification, and autonomy run deep, making this more than just another sci-fi flick.

Why Companion Is 2025’s Must-Watch Movie

January isn’t usually a month for cinematic greatness, but Companion might be the exception.

With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and a narrative that blends dark humour with razor-sharp commentary, it’s already being called the first great film of 2025.

The film’s runtime, clocking in at 97 minutes, ensures a tight, engaging experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Whether you’re drawn to its fresh take on AI ethics, its character-driven storytelling, or just want to see a thriller that doesn’t rely on cheap scares, Companion delivers.

Mark your calendars for January 31. This is one conversation about love, ethics, and humanity you won’t want to miss.