(*) This article provides insights into the film Companion (Vietnamese title: Kẻ Đồng Hành ), which is considered a standout in the horror genre at the beginning of this year. The project has received high praise for its compelling concept and creative direction, exploring AI in a unique and immersive way.
Released right before Valentine’s Day, the film competes with the blockbuster Captain America: New World Order , offering a delightful experience for audiences after a series of Tet holiday action films.
When a Robot Girlfriend Speaks Up
The film is set in a near-future scenario where AI (artificial intelligence) has advanced significantly. The main character is Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a sophisticated robot capable of thinking and feeling like a human. She is designed to provide companionship as a girlfriend for her owner, Josh (Jack Quaid), although with a limited intelligence cap of only 40%, intended to ensure control.
However, things start to spiral out of control when Josh takes Iris to a party with his wealthy friends. A series of events unfolds, causing Iris to speak out and seek a way to escape the pressures imposed by her owner.
This is the directorial debut of writer-director Drew Hancock. The film stands out for its engaging script, which cleverly intertwines numerous shocking twists. Interestingly, Iris is not only a robot but also a central mystery that is gradually unraveled in the first third of the film.
The concept of a talking robot girlfriend is not new; it has been explored in various films such as Blade Runner (1982), Ex Machina (2014), and I, Robot (2004). Additionally, the popular horror franchise The Conjuring has also built a successful narrative around similar themes.
Nevertheless, Drew Hancock finds a way to captivate audiences from the very beginning. Throughout its runtime of over 90 minutes, the film maintains a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged without losing focus.
The work opens with a romantic tone, filled with many humorous moments, while also retaining elements of horror. After that, the film transitions into suspense, culminating in scenes that are dark and violent.
Through Iris’s story, the director cleverly addresses the issue of “toxic masculinity.” Behind the external charm and allure, Josh’s character reveals itself to be cruel and controlling.
John does not love Iris; he merely wants to possess her. He does not seek a partner to share life with but seeks a tool to satisfy his needs.
As the film approaches its conclusion, viewers increasingly recognize Josh’s true face. He emerges as a selfish character, obsessed with control, ready to exploit everything to achieve his goals.
Rising Star Sophie Thatcher Shines
Companion does not feature any big-name stars but includes talented actors who contribute significantly to the film.
Sophie Thatcher, who has gained recognition from the series Yellowjackets (2021-2025), is not yet a globally known name. Therefore, her role as Iris not only showcases her talent but also leaves a strong impression on the audience.
In her role as the talking robot, the actress born in 2000 brings a captivating performance that blends charm with a complex emotional depth.
In several moments, Sophie Thatcher makes viewers feel the plight of her robot character as she yearns for freedom while being trapped in the control of humans.
Jack Quaid also impresses with a clear depiction of Josh’s selfish nature, reminiscent of Penn Badgley’s character in the series You.
With a performance that is both likable and detestable, Jack Quaid makes it difficult for the audience to ignore his character’s flaws.
Upon release, Companion received critical acclaim from various media outlets. The film achieved a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 94% positive feedback from critics. The high praise for its creative script and style from Drew Hancock simultaneously highlights the impressive performances of both Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid.
However, the film’s box office performance has not been particularly impressive compared to many horror films that have dominated the box office recently. As of now, Companion has only grossed about $27.8 million worldwide, which is quite low given its production cost of $10 million (not including marketing expenses).
The film’s ending leaves some unanswered questions and is resolved quite abruptly. Some humorous dialogues feel forced, making it slightly more difficult to maintain the film’s narrative flow.
Despite these shortcomings, Companion remains an engaging work worth experiencing. It is truly a suitable choice for audiences who enjoy creatively crafted horror films with compelling narratives.
