Companion (2025), Dir Drew Hancock, Warner Bros. Pictures, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: Matthew Alicoon.

Companion (2025), Dir Drew Hancock, Warner Bros. Pictures,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: Matthew Alicoon.

“Dark twists and comedic chaos collide in this unpredictable thriller”.

Companion follows a young couple Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) who travel to a remote cabin for the weekend. However, after a certain revelation events begin to escalate and pressure surmounts.

Companion is a film that is best going in blind to with no expectations, in order to benefit from the reward of the mystery. The film subverts expectations jarringly. There is a temptation to think the film is going to have an underpinning tone of seriousness, However, where Drew Hancock’s boldness as a writer comes in, is that he is not afraid to have fun with the premise. Through the ingenuity of the script structure, the first hour is not afraid to have fun with itself and it does not take itself too seriously. There are several hysterical moments in Companion, as the useless nature of the consumerist personalities’ shines with comedic charm and brilliance. There are a handful of cracking one-liners of dialogue. One of the producers is Zach Cregger who also worked on Barbarian. The film resides in the same vein as Barbarian, with the insane plot twist that happens early.

Underpinning, Companion lies thought-provoking commentary on toxicity and partner control within relationships. It feels subtle, however the tonal shift by Drew Hancock is sublimely orchestrated, as it leaves you thinking after the credits.

Sophie Thatcher is masterly flawless in a role, which carries multifaceted logistical challenges when you consider it. Jack Quaid plays the lovable goofball personality of his character perfectly with such charisma. Quaid brings an underlying sense of malevolence. It is a fantastic blend of slapstick humour and sinister energy.

I am deliberately sidestepping the big plot twist of Companion as the main trailer and poster give it away. However, I wanted to not include it in the review to allow you the chance to enjoy the film for what it is. I think a bit more seriousness, would have taken Companion to an enriched level of commentary.

Companion is one of those rare gems of a film, which leaves you thinking how can this idea be explored further. Companion is a film with a ton of potential, with a sustained artistic flair Drew Hancock has. As a piece of entertainment I had an absolute blast. A wildcard hit for 2025.

Cast

Sophie Thatcher as Iris

Jack Quaid as Josh

Lukas Gage as Patrick

Megan Suri as Kat

Harvey Guillén as Eli

Rupert Friend as Sergey

Creatives

Director – Drew Hancock

Screenwriter – Drew Hancock

Producers – Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, Raphael Margules & J. D. Lifshitz

Cinematographer – Eli Born

Editors – Brett W. Bachman & Josh Ethier

Music – Hrishikesh Hirway