For his first feature film, Drew Hancock delivers Companion, an audacious work in which science fiction, psychological thriller and romance intertwine with perfectly controlled tension. With a first-rate cast including Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid and Rupert Friend, the film exceeds expectations, blending intense emotions, toxic manipulation and a reflection on technological excess. With its inventive direction and unpredictable script, Companion is one of this year's most memorable releases.
Companion will be released in cinemas from January 29, 2025.
In a futuristic world where companion robots are programmed to love unconditionally, Companion follows Iris, an android who is unaware of her true nature. Manipulated by Joshua, her Machiavellian owner, she becomes the instrument of a macabre plot: Joshua and his accomplice Kat plan to kill Sergey, the latter's lover, in an isolated house. But when Iris discovers the truth, she finds herself trapped between her quest for independence and the constant threat of her human pursuers.
Kat's character, fascinating and chilling, embodies an implacable coldness that contrasts with Iris's sensitivity. Her scathing retort -"You make me feel replaceable" - highlights her contempt for robots, while revealing her own insecurities. Far from being a mere accomplice, Kat reflects the film's central themes: power relationships, human betrayal and the quest for domination.
Drew Hancock also distills moments ofdark humor into this oppressive tension. One memorable scene sees Iris, in full flight, set her parameters in German to evade Officer Hendricks. Unable to lie, but sure that the man doesn't understand the language, she plays him with disarming seriousness. Thesesubtle touches ofhumor provide occasional levity without ever detracting from the intensity of the story.
Hancock manages to maintain constant tension thanks to a staging that exploits the isolation of its main setting. The country house, far from everything, becomes a trap for Iris, deprived of an escape route to the city. This environment accentuates her sense of vulnerability, where every decision becomes a matter of survival.
The screamers, though rare, are used at strategic moments to maintain palpable tension. The final scene, marked by an explosion of violence, blends visceral horror and raw emotion, leaving a lasting impression. The discreet but effective soundtrack alternates between oppressive silences and sudden climaxes, reinforcing the emotional impact and tension of the story.
What sets Companion apart is its ability to marry a variety of genres. Science fiction fans will appreciate the reflection on artificial intelligence and its ethical limits. Fans of psychological thrillers will be captivated by the manipulations and psychological tensions. Finally,horror fans will find plenty to enjoy in the outbursts of violence, the occasional touch of gore, and the oppressive atmosphere punctuated by screamers.
Despite its apparent coldness, the film is brimming with emotion, buoyed by Sophie Thatcher's remarkable performance. Iris, though artificial, embodies a disturbing humanity often absent in her human counterparts. Her moments of doubt, distress and awakening give Companion an emotional depth that surpasses that of many contemporary thrillers.
With Companion, Drew Hancock creates an ambitious debut feature that combines reflection, tension and emotion. Inspired by the disturbing universes of David Cronenberg or Ari Aster, the film imposes its own identity thanks to subtle direction, an unpredictable script and fascinating characters. At once dark, funny and deeply moving, Companion transcends expectations, offering an intense and unforgettable cinematic experience.
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