The Wasteland Reviewer

Companion (2025) Written Review

What films do you love that you had zero expectations for and went in completely blind? There are a few cinematic experiences quite like walking into a film without knowing anything about the film. The feeling out process can be so exciting and the shock of not knowing where things are going can be exhilarating. Films like Barbarian make such an impression because they surprise the heck out of you. Even Avengers: Endgame kept audiences mostly in the dark. But with the teaser trailer for Companion, audiences thought they had the next Barbarian on their hands. There was even a tease with “From the Producers of Barbarian”. But that second trailer revealed a ton of elements which were previously mysterious. But the warning for you is…. go in as blind as possible (despite the second trailer, poster, and taglines). 

Without exposing too much, what makes this experience so exciting? Writer/director Drew Hancock delivers quite a funny film. There is a nice variety of humorous layers to this dark horror comedy. First off, there is some fantastic dialogue, and the actors really deliver it (Harvey Guillen for sure is fantastic and delivers all his sassy lines perfectly). There are some funny characters including the over-the-top Russian billionaire played gleefully but Rupert Friend. There are some clever sight gags including the way Eli and Lukas Gage’s Patrick first met and how it was played back again for laughs later. But it is not just the laughs that drive Hancock’s film forward. This is a clever and impactful allegory for abusive relationships. The way this film leans on its high concept idea to explore such significant and serious themes is quite impressive. Thrown in some wild violence, blood, and guts and you will have yourself such a wild and crazy time at the movies? 

But does Hancock have plenty more up his sleeve for the audience? This film is sharply directed for sure. There is a sleek and bright visage to this whole film that makes it stand out with its modern sensibilities. For the more imaginative and genre focused elements of the film, Hancock can find some clever and interesting ways to show off. There are plenty of evocative shots throughout the film including the one of Sophie Thatcher’s arms on fire from the initial teaser trailer. The way Hancock and cinematographer Eli Born can capture such a stunning sight along with the tear-filled and fearful eyes of Thatcher with such precision. The music really sets the mood as well with Hrishikesh Hirway’s score capturing the vibe of the film and its genre-bending so well. The music choices are precise as well as delivering such great feeling and emotion. 

But who is the real-life blood of Companion? This impressive cast really understands the job and what Hancock’s script is asking for. Thatcher is a fantastic anchor for this film as she delivers plenty of personality and soul to a character you might not expect it from. The teary moment while ablaze is just one of many moments where Thatcher sells some serious emotion with just her expressions. There is something specific about Thatcher’s character that has her evolve and change throughout the film and she is able to deliver on each of these “versions” of her character. Something similar can be said about Gage’s character as well. Guillen (as mentioned before) is an absolute delight with his charm, sass, and emotion. But Jack Quaid just might steal much of this movie. Channeling some of his father, Dennis Quaid, from some of his more unhinged performances, the young Quaid can deliver a twisted and unexpected performance that delivers in many ways. Quaid must sell a lot of the themes through his performance and there is something quite disturbing underneath the surface throughout. 

Does Companion deliver on many levels? This new horror comedy navigates some serious themes (even if the dialogue explores them in some blunt dialogue) that hit quite hard. The humor is consistent and varied, making for a fun time. The slasher horror elements are not the biggest part of the film, but they deliver when they show themselves. Thatcher continues to show some star power here and Quaid (amongst others) make a big splash as well. This is quite an exciting new flick.