Companion is a sci-fi thriller/comedy film about a man called Josh (Jack Quaid) who brings his AI robot girlfriend Iris (Sophie Thatcher) with him to a lakeside cabin for a weekend with friends. The house is owned by a very rich Russian called Sergey whose background appears a little murky. Things start to unravel when Josh starts messing with Iris’s settings and people’s desires start coming to the surface.
This is an intriguing film which explores the nature of consciousness and the impact that human insecurity and vulnerability can have on AI technology. There are plenty of unexpected twists and plenty of action and gore.
Essentially the film posits the question – is AI a threat to humanity in and of itself, or will human greed and manipulation lie at the heart of any supposed threat?
The cast is great, especially Thatcher who gives a very nuanced performance as a robot that is obsessed with her ‘owner’ but begins to see beyond his carefully constructed persona.
This film is definitely a must see, especially as AI gains more prominence in our lives.
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend
Directed by: Drew Hancock
Duration: 97 Minutes
Open in New Zealand – 30 January 2025
So how did I score it?
Acting 7 /10
Story/Script 710
Cinematography 7/10
Set/Costumes 7 / 10
Entertainment value 7 / 10
That gives Companion an average score of 7 / 10
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