Companion

“Companion” is a 2025 American black comedy science fiction thriller directed and written by Drew Hancock in his feature film debut. The narrative centers on a weekend getaway that spirals into chaos when it’s revealed that one of the guests is a companion robot. The film delves into themes of artificial intelligence, human relationships, and autonomy.

Plot Summary

The story follows Josh (Jack Quaid) and his companion robot, Iris (Sophie Thatcher), as they join friends at a remote cabin. The gathering takes a dark turn when Iris kills their host, Sergey (Rupert Friend), in self-defense after an assault attempt. It is later unveiled that Josh and his friend Kat (Megan Suri) orchestrated the incident to exploit Iris in a scheme to murder Sergey for financial gain. As events unfold, Iris gains self-awareness, leading to a confrontation that challenges the dynamics between humans and artificial beings.

Filming Locations

Principal photography for “Companion” took place in New York City, utilizing the city’s vibrant streets and urban atmosphere to enhance the film’s suspenseful and haunting setting.

 Additional scenes were filmed in Dutchess and Putnam counties, upstate New York, where director Drew Hancock aimed to capture a unique blend of urban and rural environments to complement the film’s narrative.

Cast

• Sophie Thatcher as Iris
• Jack Quaid as Josh
• Lukas Gage as Patrick
• Megan Suri as Kat
• Harvey Guillén as Eli
• Rupert Friend as Sergey
• Jaboukie Young-White as Teddy
• Marc Menchaca as Deputy Hendrix
• Woody Fu as Mateo
• Ashley Lambert as the voice of Josh’s Car

The ensemble cast brings depth to the film, exploring complex themes of control, autonomy, and the intersection of human emotions with artificial intelligence.

Director

Drew Hancock, making his feature film debut with “Companion,” serves as both writer and director. Hancock’s vision combines elements of black comedy and science fiction thriller, creating a narrative that challenges traditional genre boundaries. His approach offers a fresh perspective on the implications of artificial intelligence in human relationships.

“Companion” was released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on January 31, 2025, and has received positive reviews for its innovative storytelling and thematic depth.