Sci-Fi Thriller 'Companion' Explores AI, Toxic Relationships, and Female Agency

Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher star in a provocative film blending horror and social commentary on control, technology, and self-discovery.

Companion, directed by Drew Hancock, is a near-future sci-fi thriller about a toxic relationship between Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher), an AI-powered companion robot.
The film tackles themes of control, gender dynamics, and self-autonomy, with Thatcher describing it as a story about learning to love oneself while breaking free from a toxic relationship.
Jack Quaid portrays the antagonist, Josh, a delusional and insecure character who embodies toxic masculinity, while Sophie Thatcher's Iris evolves from a programmed ideal into a self-aware individual.
The movie blends horror, dark humor, and visceral moments to highlight its social commentary, with Hancock balancing genre elements to resonate with younger audiences.
Production faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, but the pause allowed the director to refine the film's tone and vision, enhancing its final execution.