The psychological thriller-comedy Companion, set for release on January 31, 2025, is making waves with a remarkable Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 93%.This film swiftly stands out in a month often characterized by lackluster theatrical offerings, especially when compared to 2024’s Night Swim (20%) and Mark Wahlberg’s Flight Risk (24%) as recent disappointments. Directed and penned by Drew Haddock, known for My Dead Ex and Mr. Pickles, this production by New Line Cinema marks a promising addition to the new film landscape, distributed by Warner Bros.
Starring Sophie Thatcher, whose recent work in Heretic earned acclaim, alongside Jack Quaid from The Boys and Harvey Guillén of What We Do in the Shadows, Companion runs for a brisk 97 minutes. Critics describe it as a gripping mystery that artfully combines elements reminiscent of the dark comedy-horror of Abigail and contemporary whodunits like Knives Out. Alex Harrison of Screen Rant commended the film, mentioning it avoids “the trap of being too clever for its own good, ” while praising its enthralling premise and performances. With such insights, it’s clear why Companion is attracting positive buzz.
7 Companion Aims to Entertain, Not Complicate Its Plot
Companion Doesn’t Drown Inside Its High Concept
Companion excels in delivering a high entertainment quotient without drowning in complex narratives. Multiple critics applauded its clear focus on enjoyment, which has contributed to its instant appeal. The film maintains its roots in its thrilling premise, steering clear of attempts to morph into something it’s not. As William Bibbiani from The Wrap aptly puts it, “The whole thing is freaky and funny as hell”and labels it “a devilishly clever horror comedy about one-sided relationships.”
Pushing deeper into the horror genre, the film’s increasing body count enhances the suspense. Genre-blending films often risk becoming convoluted; however, Companion artfully navigates this potential pitfall, presenting a well-balanced narrative that engages rather than overwhelms its viewers. Unlike other high-concept films requiring intense focus on dialogue, Companion ensures an invigorating experience without making the audience feel burdened.
6 Companion’s Ensemble Cast Is Exceptional
Lukas Gage, Megan Suri & More Are Great Supporting Characters
While the spotlight shines on Thatcher and Quaid, the supporting cast—including Harvey Guillén, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Rupert Friend, and Marc Menchaca—adds significant depth and enjoyment to the film’s storyline. Meagan Navarro from Bloody Disgusting noted, “It’s not the plot that keeps you guessing, but the vibrant ensemble cast committed to Hancock’s zany break-up movie.”The dynamic between Quaid’s Josh and Thatcher’s Iris serves as a pivotal anchor for the film’s intrigue and tension.
The palpable chemistry between Quaid and Thatcher enriches Companion’s narrative, drawing audiences into the storyline instead of detracting from it. Gage’s involvement significantly intrigues, showcasing his versatility across genres, from horror in Smile 2 to action in Road House. Zofia Wijaszka of Nerdspin asserts, “While the supporting cast is simply unmatched, Sophie Thatcher as Iris truly steals the show, ”emphasizing the exceptional talent on display.
5 Companion’s Dark Humor Is One of Its Best Qualities
Many Critics Praise Companion’s Sharp & Witty Humor
The film opens with an intriguing line: “There’ve been two moments in my life when I was happiest. The first was the day I met Josh. And the second was the day I killed him.”This captivating introduction sets the framework for a story filled with dark humor and twisted comedy. Notably, these comedic aspects are not arbitrary; they enhance the narrative in coherent ways.
Jocelyn Noveck of The Associated Press praises Hancock’s ability, stating, “The humor and tone could have gone so wrong, but they didn’t, ”commending the film’s witty progression. Linda Marric from HeyUGuys emphasizes that this is “not your grandma’s rom-com… Get ready for sharp wit and dark humor.”Numerous critics highlight the film’s deft balance between absurdity and insight, including Georgia Evans of Time Out, who notes its exploration of gender dynamics and control, branding it “this year’s M3GAN.”
4 Critics Praise Companion’s Sleek Visuals & Smooth Pace
Companion’s Cinematography Elevates Its Already Strong Narrative
Companion captivates not only through its storytelling but also with visually striking cinematography and artful lighting. Christian Zilko from IndieWire remarks on the film’s “sleek visuals, smooth pacing, and twisty script, ”while also lauding Thatcher’s ethereal performance. Although solid cinematography is expected in Hollywood, Drew Hancock’s artistic collaboration with cinematographer Eli Born adds exceptional clarity to the film’s genre shifts.
Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com commends the impressive camerawork, noting, “Hancock doesn’t have enough drama to really pack the runtime, but brings solid ideas, strong performances, and fantastic visuals.”Allison Rose from FlickDirect echoes this sentiment, calling it “masterfully crafted, ”merging AI-driven horror with compelling storytelling and stunning visuals. In the case of Companion, its striking visuals are an integral part of the film’s success rather than merely a fallback feature.
Unlike Some Thrillers, Companion’s Many Twists Pay Off
A common theme among critics is that Companion could have easily faltered but instead triumphed due to critical storytelling decisions. Its ambitious premise, coupled with various genre influences and a concise runtime, places it at risk of being overlooked as another disposable sci-fi offering. However, writer-director Drew Hancock cleaves this expectation by crafting a tightly woven script, rich in calculated twists and adept in tone and pacing.
Some critics, like Linda Marric of HeyUGuys, describe Companion as a “sexy, chaotic mess that will keep you questioning everything, ”packing “enough twists to make your head spin.”While an overabundance of twists isn’t always welcome, as seen in M. Night Shyamalan’s recent films, when executed effectively, twists elevate thrillers. J Hurtado of ScreenAnarchy asserts Hancock keeps audiences riveted with “delightfully unexpected twists, ”ensuring a gripping experience for all.
2 Companion Offers A Bold & Ambitious Concept With Satire & Wit
Its Black Mirror-Esque Elements Offer A High-Concept Cautionary Tale
Companion masterfully interweaves humor with futuristic implications, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The sharp dialogue throughout contributes significantly to the broader satirical commentary, handled with impressive skill given Hancock’s status as a debut director. The movie’s solid foundation enables Hancock to culminate in a compelling climax that merges storytelling elements with deeper philosophical questions without becoming overly intellectual.
Audiences are encouraged to seek out Companion through 2025 and beyond, as its thoughtful satire and engaging wit promise to resonate long after viewing. Critics, such as Kristen Lopez from The Film Maven (Substack), hail it as “one of the first great movies of 2025, and a film whose relevance will only amplify over time.”The film’s cautionary narrative could easily evolve into a Black Mirror-like reflection of contemporary society.
1 Companion Is An Impressive Directorial Feature Film Debut
Drew Hancock Has Already Made Viewers Excited About His Next Project
Reviewers acknowledge that Drew Hancock has created a compelling debut with Companion. Peter Debruge from Variety notes Hancock’s impressive directorial control over this project that hinges largely on execution. He states that Companion is “smarter than M3GAN but still not Ex Machina.”Meanwhile, Frank Sheck from The Hollywood Reporter labels Hancock as “a true talent to watch, ”while calling the film “a nasty treat of a thriller.”As viewers eagerly anticipate Hancock’s upcoming work, including a horror project titled My Wife and I Bought a Ranch…, Companion promises to leave audiences buzzing with its intriguing narrative long after the credits roll.
Sources: The Wrap, Bloody Disgusting, Nerdspin, The Associated Press, HeyUGuys, IndieWire, Blu-ray.com, FlickDirect, ScreenAnarchy, The Film Maven (Substack), IGN Movies, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
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