COMPANION. A brilliant debut with echoes of “Blade Runner”

I really enjoy stories where creators take reality as a foundation and add an innovative element—whether it’s something on the borderline between the real and the paranormal or a concept linked to technological advancement. At the same time, I can’t stand films that seem intriguing at first but turn out to be dull, derivative, and clichéd. Fortunately, Companion, directed by Drew Hancock, not only presents an interesting concept but also offers plenty of surprising and highly inventive plot developments. Some of them were revealed in the trailers (I recommend avoiding them!), but even those familiar with the main storyline will find many surprises throughout the film.
Iris (played brilliantly by Sophie Thatcher, known from last year’s excellent Heretic) and Josh (Jack Quaid) arrive at a picturesque forest cabin with their friends. The building’s owner, Sergei (Rupert Friend), comes across as a shady character. At first, everything seems normal, and the guests enjoy music and good food. But soon, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems…
It’s incredibly difficult to say more about Companion without spoiling any of its plot twists. The writer-director has crafted a fantastic blend of thriller, black comedy, love story, and psychological drama, all subtly coated with a layer of science fiction. The result is a cohesive genre hybrid that keeps the audience on edge until the very end. Even familiar narrative tropes—often associated with slasher films—don’t feel like a drawback here. At the same time, Hancock manages to leave viewers with thought-provoking themes to ponder. Between the lines, he raises questions about the nature of humanity, gradually revealing different facets of the characters and the passions that drive them. At certain moments, the film also delivers a strong feminist message.
Iris is initially styled like a woman straight out of the 1950s. Her clothing and hairstyle reflect the fashion of suburban American housewives, and her behavior suggests total submission to Josh. Meanwhile, Josh seems like a charming guy who got lucky in finding a wonderful partner and building a happy relationship. However, as the story unfolds, this image proves to be merely a facade, hiding something much deeper underneath. Then there’s Sergei, embodying the macho culture of the 1980s. His confrontation with Iris evokes a clash between primitive, testosterone-fueled masculinity and seemingly delicate, petite femininity. This marks the beginning of a series of dramatic events, leading to the film’s first major plot twist.
But despite what the previous paragraph might suggest, Companion is not a deep psychological character study or an exploration of the eternal battle between men and women (though it can certainly be interpreted that way). Above all, Hancock’s film is an engaging, well-structured story packed with fun and excitement. Sharp-eyed viewers will notice numerous references to other films, including classics—Terminator 2 being a prime example. Those familiar with Black Mirror will recognize themes reminiscent of that anthology, and at times, there’s a distinct Blade Runner influence.
I also couldn’t shake the feeling that the film carries the spirit of Michael Crichton, who often warned about the dangers of technological progress in his books. However, just like in Crichton’s works, Companion suggests that the real threat and source of catastrophe is always human nature—driven by base instincts and selfish motives. In this sense, Drew Hancock’s film also serves as a commentary on the psychological state of our species, delivered in an entertaining and accessible form—an achievement that deserves even more praise for the director.
It’s rare for a filmmaker to debut with such a strong film. Additionally, Hancock needed just over ninety minutes (exactly 97 minutes) to tell this unique and compelling story—an approach that feels incredibly refreshing compared to the many modern productions that stretch to nearly three hours. I’m already looking forward to his next project because I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more about him. As for Companion, I highly recommend it.
Written by Piotr Zymelka