AI Thriller ‘Companion’ Stuns Critics with 96% Fresh Score on Rotten Tomatoes

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2025’s highly anticipated AI horror movie titled “Companion” is winning over critics, with a remarkable 96% rating on the Tomatometer based on 23 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Director Drew Hancock’s innovative film, which challenges our thoughts, has left many impressed. Our own review at MovieWeb even went as far as to call it “the first outstanding film of 2025”, praising it in all aspects.

As a movie enthusiast myself, let me share my take on this sci-fi thriller: “The storyline didn’t leave me on the edge of my seat, but the captivating ensemble cast made Hancock’s quirky break-up tale an engaging watch.” Particularly impressive was Thatcher’s portrayal of Iris, the jilted AI companion. This is according to Patrick Cavanaugh in his review for ComicBook.com.

In a refreshing twist on the frequently told tale of a robot developing consciousness, the character Iris, skillfully portrayed by Sophie Thatcher, demonstrates a level of humanity that surpasses even the most genuine humans.

The character, Companion, seems to exude a chilling aura similar to that seen in Wes Craven’s 1986 horror film, “Deadly Friend.” In this movie, the character Samantha (played by Kristy Swanson) initially appears as a human. However, upon her untimely death, she is resurrected by a boy (Matthew Labyorteaux), who develops feelings for her. Regrettably, the technology that revives her transforms into terror when Samantha’s killing spree commences almost instantaneously. Unlike “Deadly Friend,” which received mixed reviews, Companion is anticipated to be one of the standout films at the 2025 box office.

“‘Companion’ Is the First Great Film of 2025”

The trailer for “Companion” unveils a troubled relationship, as Josh, portrayed by Jack Quaid, grapples with the complex character Iris, who appears to be upgrading her own intelligence in the captivating clips. While not every horror film resonates with critics, the initial responses for “Companion” have been overwhelmingly positive so far. Chris Evangelista of SlashFilm awards the film starred by Sophie Thatcher a score of 9 out of 10 and praises it in his review, stating:

2025 has seen some fantastic films so far, but let me tell you, ‘Companion’ is truly standing out. It’s a laugh-out-loud hilarious, heart-pounding horror-thriller that moves at breakneck speed. And the lead performance by Sophie Thatcher? Absolutely riveting! This movie is definitely one not to be missed.

In his assessment for IndieWire, Christian Zilko praises the film ‘Companion’, commending its stylish visuals, efficient pace, and intricate screenplay. He also highlights the striking performance of Thatcher as an android that hovers on the edge of humanity but doesn’t quite reach it. On the other hand, Alison Willmore, in her review for Vulture, draws attention to the film’s intelligent integration of humor within its narrative.

The film doesn’t require criticism for failing to provide depth, as its primary goal seems to be providing entertainment. It excels in its intricate structure and comedic delivery, offering a fun, action-packed ride with a rising body count and some witty dialogue.

One of the sharpest reviews, from Grace Randolph of Beyond the Trailer, likens the much-anticipated movie “Companion” to a clever blend of “M3GAN” and “Scream”. We’re left wondering if Josh and Iris can reconcile their differences. Horror enthusiasts will get the answer when “Companion” premieres in theaters on Friday, Jan. 31. The film directed by Drew Hancock will be screened on premium formats such as IMAX, with nationwide previews starting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.

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2025-01-22 23:31