28 Jan REVIEW – ‘Companion’ is a gleefully deranged genre mash-up that starts the year in style

Every so often, a film emerges that feels like a jolt of electricity—equal parts unsettling, hilarious, and unexpected. A genre-blurring dark comedy/sci-fi thriller, Drew Hancock’s Companion, is one such film. It’s a story that traverses the absurd and the emotional with a uniquely audacious tone, delivering a movie that manages to thrill, shock, and amuse. With a stellar cast led by Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, Companion stands out as a bold, inventive effort in modern genre cinema.

A gleefully deranged genre mash-up that starts the year in style, Companion lures you in with its familiar tropes before pulling the rug out from under you in the most thrillingly surprising ways. Anchored by a sharp script, compelling performances, and a sinister edge, the film balances dark comedy, psychological tension, and shocking twists to create 2025’s first delightfully unpredictable cinematic experience.

I went into this film knowing barely anything about the film’s plot. And that is the best way to experience what Hancock has cooked up. As such, let me try to keep things as vague as possible. Companion begins with a classic rom-com-style meet-cute, introducing us to Iris (Thatcher) and Josh (Quaid), a couple whose chemistry feels warm and genuine. The pair is headed to a weekend getaway with Josh’s close-knit group of friends. When they arrive, the promised “quaint cabin in the woods” turns out to be a lavish estate owned by Sergey (Rupert Friend), the mysterious and eccentric Russian boyfriend of Kat (Megan Suri).

From the moment Iris steps into this opulent environment, she feels unsettled. Sergey’s presence is unnerving. Kat’s hostility toward Iris simmers beneath the surface. And the other couple—Eli (Harvey Guillén) and Patrick (Lukas Gage)—are seemingly in their own world of romantic bliss. At first, the film teases a series of familiar beats, with awkward group interactions and subtle jabs, but as the weekend unfolds, the tension gives way to chaos.

The turning point arrives when Sergey makes an inappropriate move on Iris, pushing her to react violently. But the ensuing chain of events is far from predictable, as Hancock masterfully peels back layers of deceit, hidden motives, and emotional baggage. Each twist not only shocks but also recontextualizes what came before, transforming Companion into a gripping commentary on power dynamics, trust, and survival instincts.

At the heart of this tale is the magnificent Thatcher, who delivers a spellbinding performance that is equal parts vulnerable, commanding, and deeply relatable. Thatcher’s Iris is a complex character navigating a minefield of social tension, romantic insecurities, damning revelations, and primal fear. Her portrayal captures the emotional toll of being an outsider, as well as the strength required to confront danger head-on.

Thatcher’s ability to shift between moments of quiet introspection and explosive intensity is nothing short of remarkable. The range of emotions she’s asked to deliver is exhausting, but she impressively handles it all with aplomb. Thatcher keeps the audience tethered to Iris’s perspective, even as the story spirals into chaos. Whether she’s exchanging fraught glances with Josh or making split-second decisions in life-or-death situations, Thatcher imbues Iris with authenticity and depth. It’s a performance that solidifies her status as one of the most exciting actors of her generation.

Quaid delivers a pitch-perfect performance as the endearing but manipulative Josh, walking a fine line between charming and unsettling. Quaid skillfully peels back Josh’s layers, revealing a man grappling with insecurities and unspoken doubts. His ability to balance lighthearted moments with subtle hints of sociopathy makes Josh a compelling presence throughout the story. Though his character doesn’t undergo the same emotional intensity as Iris, Quaid’s understated performance adds depth to the ensemble and serves as an effective counterpoint to the escalating chaos around him.

Meanwhile, Guillén and Gage inject humour and heart as a couple whose banter and camaraderie provide moments of levity amidst the darkness. Gage, in particular, stands out as the doe-eyed Patrick, balancing wit with a surprising emotional depth that emerges as the story unfolds. His character arc is entirely unforeseen and offers Gage plenty to sink his teeth into. Much like Thatcher and Quaid, he’s fast becoming one actor to keep your eye on.

In his feature directorial debut, Hancock proves himself to be a filmmaker with a distinct voice and a knack for subverting audience expectations. Hancock’s screenplay deftly balances comedy, suspense, and horror, creating a tone that feels fresh and unpredictable. His direction amplifies the unease, with deliberate pacing and sharp visual storytelling that keeps viewers on edge. Hancock’s decision to incorporate elements of absurdist humour adds a unique flavour to the film. Moments of comedic relief are expertly timed, providing a counterbalance to the tension without undermining the stakes. This tonal tightrope walk is one of the film’s greatest strengths, keeping the audience engaged and off-balance in the best way possible.

Beneath its wacky premise, Companion offers incisive commentary on modern relationships and whether we truly know the person sleeping beside us. The film raises intriguing questions about what it means to truly connect with another person and how mind games, unfortunately, are a seemingly inescapable byproduct of dating in the 21st century. Hancock doesn’t offer easy answers, instead allowing the audience to grapple with these questions alongside the characters. The film also takes a sharp, satirical look at society’s obsession with perfection, as embodied by the concept of the “ideal” companion. In doing so, it challenges viewers to confront their own expectations of relationships and the unrealistic standards we often impose on ourselves and others.

Companion is a triumph of bold storytelling and inventive direction. Hancock announces himself as a filmmaker to watch, crafting a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, blending genres with a confidence that belies his relative inexperience as a filmmaker. It’s so sharply written and beautifully executed by its cast, creating a cinema experience that’s a genuine blast. It’s also a nice breath of fresh air in a period on the film schedule that rarely delivers anything particularly impressive.

In an era dominated by formulaic blockbusters, Companion stands out as a daring, original work that refuses to be easily categorised. It’s a film that will make you laugh, gasp, and, perhaps most importantly, think. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, comedy, or character-driven thrillers, Companion offers something for everyone. It forces its audience to question the nature of trust, the weight of secrets, and the lengths we go to for survival. Dare I say it, this could well be a modern cult classic in the making.

Distributor: Warner Bros.
Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Sun, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend
Director: Drew Hancock
Producers: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Sun, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend
Screenplay: Drew Hancock
Cinematography: Eli Born
Production Design: Scott Kuzio
Costume Design: Vanessa Porter
Editors: Brett W. Bachman, Josh Ethier
Music: Hrishikesh Hirway
Running Time: 97 minutes
Release Date: 30th January 2025 (Australia)