Valentine’s Day has passed, and if you missed the film Heart Eyes, consider taking your partner to see Companion instead. The title itself suggests a perfect choice for a date night!
Plot Overview of Companion
Companion follows the intriguing story of Iris (played by Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (portrayed by Jack Quaid), a young couple appearing to indulge in a romantic getaway to a remote mansion. However, as the plot unfolds, we discover that Iris is not the affectionate girlfriend she seems to be—she is, in fact, a robot companion designed for Josh. The film takes a dark turn when Josh and his friends devise a plot to murder a wealthy man involved with his friend Kat (played by Megan Suri) to steal from him. This twist adds a complex layer to the story, ultimately blending elements of horror and sci-fi.
Representation in Horror
While the dynamics between Josh and Iris drive the film, Companion stands out for its authentic representation of a queer couple, Patrick (Lukas Gage) and Eli (Harvey Guillén).Their relationship is not relegated to background status but instead receives nearly equal focus. This portrayal is refreshing, especially within the horror genre, where same-sex couples often receive less attention. Their narrative was not merely an afterthought; rather, it formed one of the film’s most poignant aspects.
Trends in Queer Horror
Looking at recent horror trends, Knock at the Cabin provides another example of a central queer couple. Eric (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) embark on a family vacation, only to confront a harrowing hostage situation. Unlike the typical representations seen in classic horror films, this narrative arc presented a same-sex couple’s experience without demeaning them or relegating them to a secondary role. It demonstrates the evolution of storytelling in horror, bridging emotional stakes with authentic queer representation.
Breaking Away from Tired Tropes
As a devoted fan of horror, it’s exhausting to see the same clichéd formulas repeated. While nostalgic slasher films have their appeal, audiences in 2025 crave innovation and diversity in narratives. Some recent films like Bodies Bodies Bodies and They/Them may offer campy fun, but there is a distinct desire for horror that combines both emotional depth and representation.
Queerness and Halloween Celebrations
Horror and queerness intersect vividly during cultural celebrations like Halloween. Why should LGBTQIA+ individuals remain sidelined in such festive cultural expressions? The relationship between Eli and Patrick in Companion emphasizes normalcy over novelty; just like their heterosexual counterparts, they share relatable interactions without the need for their orientation to be the focal point.
Historical Context of Queer Horror
Queer subtext has been prevalent in horror films for decades. A classic example is Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985), which has gained recognition for its homoerotic themes, even if they were cleverly masked at the time due to societal constraints. Director David Chaskin acknowledged this intent, highlighting how earlier filmmakers crafted narratives that appealed to sensibilities affected by cultural taboos.
The Ongoing Need for Authentic Representation
Horror resonates with many queer individuals who find solace in its narratives of struggle and survival. The genre has historically tackled themes of adversity that resonate deeply with LGBTQIA+ experiences. Moving forward, it’s vital to see more films featuring authentic queer couples like Patrick and Eli or Eric and Andrew. Imagine a gripping horror thriller, reminiscent of The Strangers, featuring a queer couple navigating their own trials—it’s time for such stories to come to life!
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