-Written by Kyle Bain.
On a weekend getaway with friends, Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher) find that there is far more afoot than just a hangout with confidants. Companion is a twisted story, one that you may or may not see coming–but for the sake of avoiding spoilers, I’ll leave you with just this.
I unfortunately knew a bit too much about Companion when I entered the theater. Thinking I knew what was obvious, I thought nothing of my knowledge of the film–but I quickly realized that what would effectively be dubbed something of a big reveal about thirty minutes into Companion was ruined by what I knew. If you haven’t yet heard anything about this film, and you plan to watch it–avoid spoilers at all costs, it will heighten your experience for sure.
Thatcher is a name that I’ve only recently become familiar with, only having seen her in the recent top-tier thriller Heretic just last year. While she’s participated in projects such as Yellowjackets and The Book of Boba Fett, my knowledge of her was scarce, and I looked forward to seeing what she might be able to bring to the table (especially because she appears to have found a niche part of cinema in which to insert herself). Thatcher’s performance throughout Companion is reserved, but equalled by a vigor that allows the many aspects of her character’s personality to come to life in the most effective ways. She leads a talented cast full of seemingly misfit characters, and is very much the focal point of the film. In some ways Iris works to bring the characters together and give them purpose. Writer-Director Drew Hancock develops a character with a ton of depth that continues to develop into the final seconds of the film–tying everything together every step of the way.
The age of horror is upon us–where tragic characters, well-developed plots, and supreme cinematic elements are prominently featured within a genre that has, for years, failed to deliver on a higher level. Companion is the next installment in the horror cosmos that will likely make a splash. Again, with Iris being so relatable and well-developed, Companion sits upon her (and Thatcher’s) shoulders from start to finish. Every character has a backstory, and while some are a bit remedial, each one folds into the narrative and helps to create something effective and accessible.
Beyond the characters, however, are aspects of this film that insert both whimsicality and intensity into the narrative and help to further develop the characters (which is the most important aspect of Companion). The setting of the film, a rustic cabin in the woods presents a unique set of obstacles for these characters–and the vast landscape surrounding the house allows Companion to expand out into the far depths of nature, creating an appealing and brilliant juxtaposition. The beautiful aesthetic of Companion helps to draw viewers further into the film and continues to provide opportunities for them and the narrative to develop.
Paired with this ever-intensifying film is a soundtrack that is both mellow and welcoming, one that juxtaposes the overarching tone of the film and invites viewers into the narrative and Companion as a whole. There are comedic elements woven into the fabric of this film, and Quaid is often at the forefront of those moments–but the soundtrack helps to elevate these instances, creating genuine comedy that flows nicely and pairs naturally with the darker elements of the film. Hancock finds a brilliant balance in this regard, creating something that needs to exist at both ends of the spectrum, and the use of the interestingly enchanting soundtrack bolsters this sentiment.
Companion is a wonderful film that works in a number of ways, but the most enticing aspect is the series of social commentaries that exist within this intriguing narrative. I won’t go into that, as it will certainly spoil the film. However, again, Hancock finds harmony amongst the great number of moving parts present in Companion, and the film flourishes as a result. Fitting nicely into the growing catalogue of spectacular horror films of the past year, Companion is the best film that I’ve seen so far in 2025.
Written & Directed by Drew Hancock.
Starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend, etc.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
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