‘Companion’ Announces a New Genre Name to Know

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Drew Hancock’s “Companion” novel centers around a secluded lakeside cottage getaway for a loving pair, nestled amidst vast forests, offering them solitude.

The main pair consists of Josh (Jack Quaid), who beams with pride as he’s with Iris (Sophie Thatcher), who clearly cherishes him. Josh and Iris encounter two other couples, each in search of tranquility and respite, but harboring secrets that could potentially undo the fabric of their connections.

We’re discussing what type of secrets those are – the ones I need to be mindful about revealing since my wife watched a preview trailer several months back and quickly figured out the major plot twist.

1. Let me express my perspective: My better half exhibits an intelligence that outshines mine, quite evidently.

2. For those unfamiliar with the storyline of “Companion”, if you’d prefer to remain uninitiated, I advise you to pause here and return later on. A hint of spoilers lies ahead.

The movie ‘Companion’ is both chilling, violent, and possesses a twisted sense of humor. It’s a film that refuses to leave my thoughts, as its profound themes continue to haunt me even beyond the screen.

Initially, some dialogue might be too blatantly hinting at the upcoming twist in the story. However, once all secrets are revealed, the plot offers intriguing possibilities rather than predetermined outcomes. Even when the film seems to conform to its genre, it surprises with another unexpected confrontation.

Delving into it now, I must say this film seems to be a modern reinterpretation of “The Stepford Wives” (1975), as evidenced by the opening scene where the main character is seen pushing a shopping cart – a symbolic image that echoes both the original movie and the quirky remake from 2004.

In his first attempt as both writer and director, Hancock delivers an impressive debut. Thatcher’s performance, truly remarkable, adds significant value to the film. Remarkably, just a few months prior, Thatcher had given a terrific performance in “Heretic.” Portraying Iris, a character that can be challenging to get right, Thatcher manages to stir genuine concern for her well-being in the audience.

Quaid skillfully adds depth to his character, keeping us uncertain about our feelings towards him until the final moment. In a standout performance as a supporting actor on “What We Do in the Shadows” (where he portrays Guillermo), Harvey Guillén effortlessly steals every scene he’s in.

In a charming twist, the recurring scene featuring a dinosaur costume and an ensuing dance-off never fails to amuse upon initial viewing and leaves one in stitches when seen again with a fresh spin. The portrayal of memory in this context is particularly impactful.

Or, more casually:

Every time the dinosaur costume and dance-off sequence pops up, I can’t help but laugh – whether it’s my first or tenth time seeing it! It’s a clever way to depict memory.

From a perspective of popular movie philosophy, “The One Inside” (1985) could pair exceptionally well as a double-bill with “The Matrix” (1999).

In a somewhat comparable vein to the classics like “Blade Runner” (1982) and its successor, “Companion” incorporates visual and thematic echoes of films such as “Hardware” (1990) and “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” (2001). The film leaves a chilling impression due to its examination of the insidious way that love can be manipulated by couples, and it underscores the universal truth that no matter our nature – human or otherwise – we’re all susceptible to being influenced by our programming.

By making Iris both central and relatable, yet vulnerable, the story challenges our expectations, leaving the audience uncertain about who to support. However, “Companion” isn’t about taking sides on AI but rather delves into how memories, emotions, and learned behaviors can transform us into either compassionate works-in-progress or self-centered monsters.

In simpler terms, Hancock’s scenario seems disturbingly possible in the future. Labeling the plot as belonging to the “near future” might be stretching it, since the depicted events seem no more than ten years distant.

Contrastingly, “M3GAN” (2022) appears to be more of an escape, whereas it carries a stark warning throughout. Despite being bold and intellectually stimulating, its climax skillfully combines genre conventions with satisfying character resolutions.

This film, much like “Warm Bodies,” playfully blends genres and sparks memories of a romantic tale. However, it carries a bittersweet tone that sets it apart. If you’re contemplating watching this with your significant other on a date, be prepared for it to either spark intriguing discussions or potentially become a movie that leads to a break-up conversation.

It all depends on your programming.

Three and a Half Stars (out of four)

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2025-02-05 16:03