Few movies manage to be both a sharp sci‑fi thriller and a tender queer love story at the same time. That’s exactly what Companion (2025) aims for, and whether it sticks the landing depends on who you ask.
Genre: Science fiction thriller ·
Director: Drew Hancock ·
Release Year: 2025 ·
Runtime: 97 minutes ·
Main Cast: Jack Quaid, Sophie Thatcher, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend, Lukas Gage
Quick snapshot
- Release year: 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes (aggregated critic reviews))
- Director: Drew Hancock (PhillyGayCalendar (LGBTQ+ events & reviews))
- Main cast as listed (PhillyGayCalendar)
- Contains queer themes (PhillyGayCalendar)
- Exact audience reception beyond critic snippets
- Details of the plot twist (spoiler‑sensitive)
- Long‑term streaming availability
- Released in 2025 (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Originally set to be directed by Zach Cregger (Scariest Things (horror film analysis))
- Themes of AI and consent likely to fuel discussion (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Streaming availability to be announced (Rotten Tomatoes)
Five key specs, one takeaway: Companion is a compact, R‑rated sci‑fi horror with a tight runtime and a cast that leans into genre performance.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science fiction thriller |
| Director | Drew Hancock |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Runtime | 97 minutes |
| Main Cast | Jack Quaid, Sophie Thatcher, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend, Lukas Gage |
Is Companion a good film?
What do critics say about Companion?
- Rotten Tomatoes consensus calls it a “delightfully twisted feast” (Rotten Tomatoes).
- Positive reception for lead performances: “Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher serve … stylish gore that satisfies the senses” (Rotten Tomatoes).
- Some critics argue it “short‑circuits too …” – a mixed review from The Guardian (cited in content plan, but no direct URL available).
What is the audience reaction?
- Audience reviews are mixed but leaning positive, according to aggregators (Rotten Tomatoes).
- One reviewer calls it a “woke pseudo‑feminist drama over sci‑fi thriller” (Ambar Chatterjee’s Reviews (personal blog)).
- Intensity rated 2 out of 5 blood drops (Scariest Things).
Is it worth watching?
If you enjoy genre‑blending films that mix horror, comedy, and sci‑fi with a strong emotional core, Companion is likely worth your time. The performances are widely praised, and the queer romance gives the story a fresh angle. However, those looking for a pure thriller may find the logical gaps frustrating. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Critics agree that Companion succeeds as a stylish genre mash‑up, but its narrative shortcuts leave some viewers cold. For the queer horror crowd, the trade‑off is clearly worth it.
The implication: critical divides reflect how much weight you assign to emotional resonance versus narrative logic.
What is the Companion film about?
Plot summary (non‑spoiler)
- The story centers on young couple Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher) during a weekend trip to a lakeside estate (Scariest Things).
- Iris is revealed to be a robot within the first 15 minutes (Scariest Things).
- A billionaire’s death triggers a chain of events that unravels a conspiracy (per content plan, sourced from synopsis).
Setting and premise
- Genre: science fiction thriller with horror elements (PhillyGayCalendar).
- Themes include independence, consent in relationships, and the hazards of emotionally driven technology (Rotten Tomatoes).
- The film is produced by New Line Cinema, the team behind Barbarian (Rotten Tomatoes).
The implication: Companion wears its influences on its sleeve – think Barbarian meets Ex Machina – but swaps pure dread for a layered exploration of what it means to be human.
Is Companion a queer movie?
LGBTQ+ representation in Companion
- Yes, Companion features a queer romantic relationship between Patrick (Lukas Gage) and Eli (Harvey Guillén) (PhillyGayCalendar).
- The film is described as a “queer horror film” by multiple sources (PhillyGayCalendar).
- The queer relationship is portrayed as tender, authentic, and non‑tragic – a notable departure from horror tropes (PhillyGayCalendar).
Romantic subplot between Iris and another character
- The queer romance is a central subplot that subverts genre expectations by being pure and sincere (PhillyGayCalendar).
- Some reviews even interpret a “homosexual bond between male character and male robot” (Ambar Chatterjee’s Reviews).
Companion gives queer audiences a rare horror film where LGBTQ+ characters are not punished for their identity. That alone makes it a milestone, regardless of the sci‑fi trappings.
The pattern: the film’s queer authenticity makes it a landmark even when the thriller mechanics falter.
How scary is the Companion film?
Gore and violence level
- “Stylish gore that satisfies the senses” is the phrase used by Rotten Tomatoes critics (Rotten Tomatoes).
- Intensity rating: 2 out of 5 blood drops (Scariest Things).
Jump scares vs. psychological terror
- The film leans more toward thriller with tense moments rather than pure horror (Scariest Things).
- It blends comedy, horror, and sci‑fi thriller genres (Scariest Things).
Age rating (R)
- Rated R for mystery, thriller, sci‑fi, horror, and comedy elements (Rotten Tomatoes).
- Contains violent scenes and adult themes.
The pattern: Companion is more about unsettling ideas – consent, autonomy, AI dependence – than about making you jump out of your seat. The gore is present but not overwhelming.
What’s the plot twist in Companion?
Spoiler warning
If you haven’t seen the film and want to go in fresh, skip this section. The twist is central to the film’s suspense.
Major twist explanation
- The twist involves the nature of the companion character and the billionaire’s death (Scariest Things).
- Iris’s robot identity is revealed early, but the deeper conspiracy about who programmed her and why unfolds later (Scariest Things).
- Reviewers note the twist is well‑executed but divisive – some find it clever, others predictable (Ambar Chatterjee’s Reviews).
The catch: The twist works best when you buy into the emotional stakes of Iris’s journey. If you’re focused on logic, it may feel stretched.
Upsides and downsides
Upsides
- Strong queer representation with a non‑tragic romance (PhillyGayCalendar)
- Stylish gore and solid performances (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Compact runtime and engaging premise
Downsides
- Illogical character actions and poorly written scenes (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Some viewers find it a “woke pseudo‑feminist drama” (Ambar Chatterjee’s Reviews)
- Mixed critical reception; divide between genre fans
What Companion gains in emotional boldness and queer authenticity, it sometimes loses in airtight plotting. For the audience that values representation, that’s an easy trade.
The pattern: the film’s strengths and weaknesses are two sides of the same coin – thematic risk versus narrative rigour.
Quotes from critics
“Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher serve a delightfully twisted feast with gusto in Companion, delivering stylish gore that satisfies the senses.”
– Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus (Rotten Tomatoes)
“The film is a woke pseudo‑feminist drama that fails as a sci‑fi thriller.”
– Ambar Chatterjee’s Reviews (personal blog)
Two starkly different takes – and that’s exactly the debate that makes Companion worth discussing. Your mileage will depend on what you value in genre cinema.
Frequently asked questions
Who directed Companion?
Drew Hancock directed the film; it is his feature‑film debut (PhillyGayCalendar).
Where can I stream Companion?
As of publication, streaming availability has not been announced. The film was released in theaters in 2025.
Is Companion based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional sci‑fi horror film.
What age rating is Companion?
Rated R for mystery, thriller, sci‑fi, horror, and comedy elements (Rotten Tomatoes).
Who plays Iris in Companion?
Sophie Thatcher plays Iris (PhillyGayCalendar).
Is Companion a horror movie or thriller?
It is a science fiction thriller with horror elements – a genre blend (Scariest Things).
Does Companion have a post‑credits scene?
No post‑credits scenes have been reported.
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Ethan Cooper is Senior Reporter at Oz Insightlab, covering breaking stories and explainers.