‘Companion’ is a Slick, Near Perfect Sci-Fi Dark Comedy Thriller

Companion

★ ★ ★ ★

‘Companion’ is a very well done dark comedy thriller involving a robot companion who thinks she’s a real woman in a real relationship. The film does such a convincing job of setting up her character – and those around her – that the twists and turns of the story feel very real and compelling. We know she’s a robot going into the film, but when she learns the truth about what she is, we experience it with her. Surprisingly, we have a lot of sympathy for her.

This is great storytelling.

Iris (Sophie Thatcher) believes she’s in a healthy, committed relationship with Josh (Jack Quaid). She and Josh have their meet-cute, where two characters in a story have a charming encounter leading to romance, in a grocery store. Not long after, they’re living together and packing for a trip to meet some of Josh’s friends in a luxurious cabin in the woods.

Sophie Thatcher as Iris
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures

At the cabin is Kat (Megan Suri) who is in a relationship with the billionaire owner of said cabin, Sergey (Rupert Friend). Also at the cabin is Eli (Harvey Guillén) and his boyfriend Patrick (Lukas Gage).

Iris is trying to find favor with Josh’s friends, especially Kat, who apparently hates everyone. Iris realizes that being in a relationship with Josh means getting along with his friends, so she does her best to fit in. Things take a turn for the worse when Iris sunbathes by the river. Sergey joins her and attempts to force his way with her. Iris defends herself and brutally kills Sergey.

When Iris returns to the cabin covered in Sergey’s blood, she’s in shock. Josh commands her to sleep, causing her to shut down and he and Kat tie her to a chair. Companions aren’t supposed to kill humans. Josh knows Iris needs to be returned to the manufacturer. He wakes her up to say goodbye, and this is where Iris learns the truth.

Jack Quaid as Josh and Sophie Thatcher as Iris
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures

The meet-cute was selected from a list of options when Iris was delivered to Josh. This was a part of the set-up process to ‘romantically pair’ her to him. In some ways, it’s reminiscent of setting up a new smart phone.

Iris must now deal with her new reality, made worse by her discovery that Josh had intended for her to kill Sergey all along. Josh and Kat intend to steal several million dollars sealed in a safe in the cabin.

Lukas Gage and Sophie Thatcher
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures

Despite being a manufactured robotic companion, Iris is the most complex and relatable character in the film. Ironically, she’s the most human.

‘Companion’ doesn’t let anyone off the hook, holding every character accountable for their actions, good or bad.

In many ways, Iris’s character is analogous to that of a woman trying to leave an abusive relationship. The harder Iris tries to gain control of herself, and get away from Josh, the worse things get for her. Getting out of this will take every ounce of will Iris can muster.

This is a very well done film, and I loved it. I enjoyed every twist and turn – even the ones I saw coming a mile away