Few industries throw up more roadblocks against first-time success than the Hollywood filmmaking machine. It's hard out there in Tinseltown for a first timer. Sure, there are plenty of success stories; Jordan Peele hit it big with his Get Out, while Sam Mendes struck gold – quite literally – with American Beauty. And let’s not forget about Wes Anderson bursting onto the scene in 1996 with Bottle Rocket. But for every success story, there are dozens of flame-outs.

However, that list of first-time successes gets one longer this week with the release of Drew Hancock’s Companion, which takes us on a taut, atmospheric ride through the unsettling corners of sci-fi horror. It is a masterful blend of sci-fi, horror, and biting social commentary sure to grip you from start to finish. With its sharp, feminist critique, unpredictable twists, and powerhouse performances, this film is an electrifying addition to the burgeoning A.I. paranoia genre.

Hancock’s film is anchored by Sophie Thatcher’s riveting portrayal of Iris, a companion robot built to provide love and companionship to Josh (Jack Quaid, The Hunger Games). In other words, she’s a “fuck bot.” But naturally, Iris doesn’t see herself that way.

Set against the eerie backdrop of a billionaire’s isolated lakeside estate, Companion opens with a seemingly simple premise—a weekend getaway that spirals into chaos after the sudden death of their enigmatic host. However, as the layers unravel, the film is anything but straightforward.

Hancock’s script dives headfirst into complex themes, exploring how women are underestimated and how technology becomes a weapon in the hands of those who exploit it. Yet, what makes Companion so unique is its decision to remove the archetypal “tech mastermind” from the equation. Instead, these characters are regular people—flawed, messy, and painfully relatable—confronting the implications of advanced technology in ways many of us could imagine ourselves doing.

At the heart of the story’s success is Sophie Thatcher, who delivers a career-defining performance as Iris. Already hailed as the next “scream queen,” Thatcher undoubtedly cements her legacy here, balancing vulnerability and strength as she explores what it means to truly be human. Iris’s quiet determination and raw humanity carry the film, with Thatcher crafting a character whose every decision feels intensely personal and real. The pain, confusion, and evolution Iris endures are palpable, making her emotional arc one of the film’s most compelling elements. If Companion were to falter, it would be in Thatcher’s hands. Yet, she soars, executing her role with precision and heart, ensuring the story never loses its footing.

The supporting cast shines equally, as well. Harvey Guillén offers both wit and pathos as Eli, injecting moments of levity that sharply contrast the film’s darker beats. Rupert Friend’s Sergei and Lukas Gage’s Patrick expertly embody the film’s shifting allegiances, keeping us guessing as alliances crumble and reform. Together, this ensemble amplifies the narrative’s tension, delivering electric performances that highlight the fragility of trust and the complexities of power.

Hancock’s directorial vision is phenomenal, showcasing a keen understanding of both genre conventions and innovative storytelling. His Companion is a twisty, turny roller coaster that refuses to play by the rules. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the film throws another kink, forcing you to rethink everything you’ve seen so far. The pacing is relentless—in the best way—keeping you on your toes as every scene drips with suspense and anticipation. Is it a black comedy? A horror film? A poignant sci-fi drama? The beauty of Companion lies in its ability to be all of these and more without losing its core identity.

Companion dissects humanity’s obsession with control, technology, and the dynamics of toxic relationships, all while delivering an exhilaratingly wild ride full of shocks and surprises.

4K Ultra HD + Digital Code Edition

Home Video Distributor: Warner Bros.
Available on Blu-ray - April 1, 2025
Screen Formats: 2.39:1
Subtitles: English SDH; French; German; Italian; Spanish; Cantonese; Czech; Danish; Dutch; Finnish; Norwegian; Polish; Swedish
Video: HEVC / H.265; HDR-10
Audio: English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; Audio descriptive
Discs: 4K Ultra HD; single-disc set
Region Encoding: 4K region-free

Short of a theatrical experience, Warner's treatment is the definitive way to watch Companion, perfect for cinephiles seeking to enhance their home viewing experience with top-tier technical fidelity. Highly recommended!

VIDEO

The 4K UHD + Digital Code edition of Drew Hancock's Companion truly elevates an already captivating film with outstanding audio and visual quality. The video presentation, with its 2.39:1 aspect ratio and HDR-10, delivers breathtaking detail and clarity. From vibrant outdoor landscapes to shadowy, suspenseful interiors, the HDR processing ensures every scene pops with rich contrast and nuance. Colors feel dynamic yet natural, enhancing the immersive experience without overwhelming the aesthetic of the film.

AUDIO

The audio, featuring Dolby Atmos, is equally impressive. Dialogue is crystal clear and perfectly balanced, while the multidimensional sound design pulls you into the tense world of the story. Subtle ambient effects (particularly in outdoor scenes) and the powerful score resonate beautifully, fully utilizing the Atmos system to create an enveloping soundscape.

Supplements:

Commentary:

• There are none

Special Features:

• I Feel, Therefore I Am
• Love, Eli
• AI Horror

	Movie
	Video
	Audio
	Extras
Composite Blu-ray Grade

MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 97 mins
Director: Drew Hancock
Writer: Drew Hancock
Cast: Sophie Thatcher; Harvey Guillén; Jack Quaid
Genre: Sci-fi | Thriller | Horror
Tagline: A new kind of love story from the creators of Barbarian
Memorable Movie Quote: "There were two times I felt truly happy. First the day I met Josh, second the day I killed him."
Distributor: Warner; New Line Cinema
Official Site:
Release Date: January 31, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: April 1, 2025
Synopsis: A billionaire's death sets off a chain of events for Iris and her friends during a weekend trip to his lakeside estate.