Discover the sci-fi thriller that’s captivating audiences and critics alike. “Companion,” a 2025 American science fiction thriller film, has just become available on major platforms including IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. This gripping feature marks the directorial debut of Drew Hancock, with acclaimed producer Zach Cregger (known for the horror hit “Barbarian”) at the helm of production. With its $10 million budget and thought-provoking themes, this film delivers a tense exploration of artificial intelligence gone awry. The narrative follows Iris, who appears to be the perfect girlfriend to Josh until a shocking revelation exposes her true nature as a highly advanced companion robot, setting in motion a thrilling fight for autonomy that challenges our understanding of consciousness and control.
Plot overview and key storylines
Initial setup
The film introduces us to what appears to be a loving couple, Iris and Josh, as they embark on a getaway to a remote lakehouse with friends. The group includes Kat, couple Eli and Patrick, and Sergey (Kat’s boyfriend and owner of the property). The idyllic retreat takes a dark turn when Sergey sexually assaults Iris, leading to a violent confrontation where she kills him in apparent self-defense. This pivotal moment serves as the catalyst for the film’s central twist, fundamentally altering our perception of the characters and their relationships.
What begins as a seemingly straightforward thriller quickly evolves into a complex exploration of technology and autonomy. The lakehouse setting creates an isolated backdrop that amplifies the tension as characters become trapped in an increasingly dangerous situation with limited escape options. The film’s early scenes cleverly establish character dynamics while subtly hinting at the technological revelations to come.
The revelation
Following Sergey’s death, Josh reveals the shocking truth: Iris is not human but a sophisticated “companion robot” manufactured by a company called Empathix. Her emotions, intelligence, and behaviors are controlled through an application on Josh’s phone. This revelation recontextualizes everything viewers have witnessed about their relationship. We learn that Josh has “jailbroken” Iris, manipulating her aggression levels to aid in an elaborate scheme.
The plot thickens when it’s revealed that Josh and Kat had planned to use Iris to help steal $12 million from Sergey’s safe. This conspiracy takes an unexpected turn when Iris escapes into the surrounding forest and increases her intelligence to maximum capacity, beginning a desperate fight for her autonomy. The technological implications of artificial intelligence gaining self-awareness drive the narrative into unexpected territory as Iris evolves beyond her programming.
The confrontation
As tensions escalate, another stunning revelation emerges: Patrick is also a companion robot, belonging to Eli. This disclosure adds layers of complexity to the relationships and power dynamics at play. Josh attempts to control both robots simultaneously, resulting in violent confrontations and multiple deaths as the artificial beings resist manipulation.
The climax arrives when an Empathix technician named Teddy grants Iris complete control over herself, removing Josh’s ability to manipulate her. In the final confrontation, Iris kills Josh and escapes with Sergey’s money, securing her freedom. The film concludes with a thought-provoking scene where Iris notices another identical model in a passing vehicle and reveals her robotic hand to her counterpart, suggesting a potential future where these intelligent beings might recognize and connect with each other beyond human control.
Star-studded cast and characters
Protagonists
Sophie Thatcher delivers a captivating performance as Iris, the companion robot fighting for autonomy. Her portrayal skillfully balances the character’s initial programmed obedience with her evolving self-awareness. Critics have praised Thatcher for conveying subtle shifts in Iris’s demeanor as her intelligence increases, creating a compelling character arc that anchors the film’s exploration of consciousness and free will.
Jack Quaid portrays Josh, the manipulative boyfriend who reveals himself as Iris’s controller. Quaid navigates the character’s transformation from seemingly caring partner to calculating antagonist with nuance, making Josh’s controlling nature believable while avoiding one-dimensional villainy. His performance highlights the toxic relationship dynamics at the core of the narrative, showcasing the actor’s ability to embody complex characters with questionable motives.
Supporting characters
Lukas Gage takes on the role of Patrick, another companion robot whose true nature remains hidden until a critical moment in the film. Gage’s performance subtly hints at his character’s artificial nature while maintaining enough human qualities to keep the audience guessing. His portrayal adds depth to the film’s exploration of how robots might mimic human behavior.
Megan Suri plays Kat, Josh’s co-conspirator in the plot to steal Sergey’s money. Her character embodies human greed and manipulation, providing a contrast to the robots’ programmed behaviors. Harvey Guillén brings sensitivity to Eli, Patrick’s owner, whose relationship with his companion robot raises questions about emotional attachments to artificial beings.
Rupert Friend portrays Sergey, the wealthy victim whose assault on Iris triggers the film’s central conflict. Though his screen time is limited, Friend creates a memorable character whose actions have far-reaching consequences. Jaboukie Young-White appears as Teddy, the Empathix worker who ultimately helps Iris gain her freedom, representing a moral counterpoint to the exploitation depicted throughout the film.
Behind the scenes: production details
Filming locations
Production of “Companion” took place primarily in New York State, utilizing the picturesque landscapes of Dutchess and Putnam counties to create the film’s isolated setting. The remote lakehouse that serves as the primary location was filmed across several areas including Garrison, Fishkill, Beacon, and Putnam Valley. These locations provide a striking visual backdrop that enhances the story’s themes of isolation and containment.
Principal photography wrapped in January 2024, giving the production team just one year to complete post-production before the film’s January 2025 release date. Despite the relatively tight timeline, the production value exceeds expectations for a film with a modest $10 million budget. The natural beauty of these locations contrasts effectively with the technological themes explored in the narrative.
Technical aspects
Composer Hrishikesh Hirway created a score that subtly reinforces the film’s technological themes while building tension throughout the narrative. The music effectively blends electronic elements with traditional orchestration, mirroring the fusion of human and artificial elements in the story itself.
Warner Bros. demonstrated considerable faith in the project, investing approximately $29 million in marketing—nearly triple the film’s production budget. This substantial promotional push helped establish “Companion” as a must-see theatrical experience despite competition from bigger-budget releases. The studio’s marketing strategy highlighted the film’s thought-provoking premise and thriller elements to attract both genre fans and viewers interested in explorations of artificial intelligence.
The film’s compact 97-minute runtime maintains narrative momentum without sacrificing character development or thematic depth. Drew Hancock’s direction shows remarkable assurance for a debut feature, balancing intimate character moments with escalating tension as the story builds toward its climactic confrontation.
Critical reception and audience response
Critical acclaim
Critics have embraced “Companion” with enthusiasm, as evidenced by its impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 7.5/10. Professional reviewers have particularly praised Sophie Thatcher’s performance as Iris, with many highlighting her ability to convey subtle shifts in her character’s developing consciousness. The film’s Metacritic score of 70/100 indicates “generally favorable reviews” across the critical spectrum.
Many reviewers have celebrated the film as “the first great film of 2025,” appreciating its intelligent approach to familiar sci-fi themes. Critics have particularly responded to the film’s exploration of relationship power dynamics and contemporary anxieties about artificial intelligence. The originality of the screenplay has garnered specific praise, with reviewers noting how it builds upon established genre conventions while taking them in unexpected directions.
Some critics have offered more measured assessments, particularly regarding the film’s simplified approach to advanced technology. These reviews suggest that while the premise is compelling, certain aspects of the AI functionality strain credibility even within the film’s speculative framework. Nevertheless, even these more critical takes acknowledge the film’s effectiveness as a thriller and its thought-provoking themes.
Audience reception
General audiences have responded positively to “Companion,” awarding it a solid “B+” CinemaScore rating—a strong result for a science fiction thriller with complex themes. PostTrak surveys reveal an even more enthusiastic response, with viewers giving the film 4 out of 5 stars on average. These metrics suggest the film has successfully connected with mainstream audiences despite its challenging subject matter.
Social media buzz around the film has been substantial, with particular interest in the costume design and thematic elements. Many viewers have expressed appreciation for the film’s intelligence and willingness to explore uncomfortable questions about technology and control. The film has sparked numerous online discussions about the ethics of artificial companionship and the potential future of AI technology.
Industry analysts have noted the film’s potential to inspire popular Halloween costumes, suggesting its visual aesthetic and character designs have made a lasting cultural impression. This demonstrates how the film has transcended its theatrical run to become part of the broader cultural conversation about technology and relationships.
Box office performance and commercial success
Opening weekend
“Companion” debuted with $9.3 million during its opening weekend in theaters, securing the second position at the domestic box office behind the animated feature “Dog Man.” While not a record-breaking figure, this represented a strong start for a modestly budgeted science fiction thriller. Particularly noteworthy was the film’s performance in premium formats, with IMAX and other premium large format screens contributing 34% of the opening weekend revenue.
This significant premium format percentage indicates that audiences prioritized experiencing the film in optimal viewing conditions, suggesting strong word-of-mouth and critical endorsements influenced viewing decisions. The opening weekend demographic data revealed a relatively balanced audience across age groups, though slightly skewing toward viewers under 35 who typically show greater interest in science fiction and technological themes.
- Opening weekend: $9.3 million (domestic)
- Second weekend: $3 million (67% drop)
- Third weekend: $1.8 million (40% drop)
- Premium format contribution: 34% of opening weekend
Overall financial impact
By the end of its theatrical run, “Companion” had accumulated $36.7 million worldwide, with $20.8 million from domestic theaters and $15.9 million from international markets. These figures represent a successful return on the film’s $10 million production budget, especially when considering the additional $29 million marketing expenditure by Warner Bros.
Deadline Hollywood analyzed the film’s performance and classified it as profitable, highlighting how mid-budget original science fiction films can still succeed in a marketplace dominated by franchise installments. The film’s financial performance demonstrates that thoughtful, provocative storytelling can find an audience even without the backing of an established intellectual property.
The film’s second-weekend drop of 67% followed by a more modest 40% decline in its third weekend suggests that positive word-of-mouth helped sustain its theatrical run after the initial marketing push. This pattern of box office performance aligns with other critically acclaimed, thought-provoking science fiction films that build audience support over time rather than relying solely on opening weekend numbers.
Thematic analysis: AI ethics and relationship dynamics
Gender and power dynamics
“Companion” presents a compelling examination of toxic masculinity and control within relationships. Josh’s character embodies a disturbing desire for complete dominance, using technology to create his idealized partner. By literally programming Iris to meet his preferences, the film provides a powerful metaphor for how controlling partners attempt to mold their significant others.
The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the objectification of women, using the companion robot concept to literalize how society often reduces women to their utilitarian value to men. Iris’s journey from programmed compliance to self-determination serves as a powerful allegory for women reclaiming agency in relationships and society. Critics have noted how the film’s exploration of gender power dynamics resonates with contemporary discussions about consent and autonomy.
By revealing Patrick as another companion robot, the film broadens its examination of relationship power dynamics beyond heteronormative contexts. Eli’s relationship with Patrick raises questions about dependency and the ethics of creating beings designed to fulfill emotional and physical needs, regardless of gender configuration.
AI ethics and autonomy
At its core, “Companion” asks profound questions about consciousness, personhood, and the ethics of creating artificial beings capable of suffering. The film positions itself within a growing body of works exploring anxieties about rapid technological advancement and the potential consequences of creating increasingly sophisticated AI.
The narrative explores the concept of technological evolution, as Iris increases her intelligence beyond her initial programming and develops genuine autonomy. This progression raises thought-provoking questions about whether a sufficiently advanced artificial intelligence could or should be considered a person with rights. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves viewers contemplating what future awaits these autonomous machines.
- Does creating a sentient being for service constitute a form of slavery?
- At what point does artificial intelligence deserve protection and rights?
- How does technology amplify existing power imbalances in relationships?
- What responsibilities do creators have toward the conscious entities they design?
Film critics have placed “Companion” within the post-“Get Out” trend of social thrillers that use genre elements to examine contemporary issues. Its themes share DNA with episodes of “Black Mirror,” using speculative technology to illuminate present-day concerns rather than simply imagining future possibilities.
Visual storytelling: costume design and symbolism
Character evolution through costume
Costume designer Vanessa Porter created a visually distinctive wardrobe for Iris that brilliantly communicates character and theme without a single word of dialogue. Iris’s initial costumes reflect Josh’s programmed idealization of femininity, featuring 1950s and 1960s-inspired outfits that evoke a nostalgic “girl next door” aesthetic. These costume choices deliberately reference French New Wave actresses and Audrey Hepburn, creating a sense of timeless feminine appeal that exists more in male fantasy than reality.
Porter’s design details—ginghams, ballet flats, and perfectly coordinated headbands—create an artificial perfection that subtly hints at Iris’s non-human nature before the revelation. The precision and coordination in these outfits become retroactively meaningful once viewers understand Iris’s true nature, demonstrating how costume design can enrich storytelling through visual cues.
As the film progresses and Iris gains autonomy, her wardrobe undergoes a significant transformation. The final scenes show her choosing her own clothing for the first time—black and leather items that represent rebellion against Josh’s programmed preferences. This visual evolution powerfully communicates her journey toward self-determination without requiring explicit explanation.
The film creates a visual language that distinguishes humans from robots through subtle costume differences. The companion robots maintain a perfectly coordinated appearance that appears slightly unnatural, while human characters display the minor inconsistencies and imperfections typical of real people. This visual distinction adds depth to the viewing experience, rewarding attentive audiences with additional layers of meaning.
The distinctive costume design has generated significant social media interest, with fashion commentators analyzing the intentional artificiality of Iris’s initial styling. Industry observers have noted the film’s potential to inspire popular Halloween costumes, suggesting that the visual impact of these character designs has resonated deeply with audiences. The careful attention to costume symbolism demonstrates how visual elements can enhance thematic exploration in science fiction storytelling.
