January is traditionally the month when movie studios release their weakest films, particularly in the horror genre. This year, we received almost weekly proof that this doesn't have to be the case. Just before the month ended, BoulderLight Pictures, the production studio behind films like "Barbarian" and "The Sigil," released their new film. Unlike their previously mentioned films, the new "Companion" marks a slightly different stylistic direction for the producers.
First, this is a thriller, not a horror film. This is a significant distinction, as the film's goal is to sweep the audience into a turbulent plot, unlike horror films that aim to frighten. For producers Rafael Margules and J.D. Lifshitz from the aforementioned company, this isn't groundbreaking. Their goal isn't necessarily to create horror films, but to produce cinema that evokes strong emotions in the audience. "Companion" distinctly fulfills this objective.
"Companion" captivates the viewer from the first line of dialogue to the final shot. The film follows a group of young people staying at a billionaire's secluded villa, dealing with the unexpected consequences of his murder. This is at least the basic plot premise, and the original trailer didn't reveal much beyond that. For some viewers, this description and trailer were sufficient, but they don't necessarily generate enough interest among the general public. Presumably for this reason, the second trailer, released last month, reveals a bit more of the plot. It's revealed, for instance, that the main character, Iris (Sophie Thatcher), is a robot whose owner, Josh (Jack Quaid), has breached her security protocols.
This revelation sparked negative reactions in public film discourse, and even after the film's release, some believe this detail should have remained a surprise. The problem with this stance is that the film itself doesn't treat this as a dramatic plot twist. The revelation occurs within twenty minutes, and it's preceded by such obvious hints that they can hardly be called hints at all. The issue lies elsewhere – "Companion's" script is structured in a way that keeps a crucial part of the fundamental plot as a "surprise" that isn't surprising at all. This problem could have been fixed even during editing, by reorganizing some of the scenes.
The main justification for the new trailer is that prior knowledge of Iris being a robot doesn't detract from the viewing experience at all. Anyone who has seen "Barbarian," which is frequently compared to "Companion," can guess that there are many plot twists throughout the film – and this assumption is quite accurate. Drew Hancock, the film's director and screenwriter, created a work without dull moments, where each twist reignites viewer curiosity. The unexpected element was actually the abundance of humor in the script. The writing delicately balances dark humor with the tense atmosphere successfully. The humor is perfectly dosed, and the jokes are both apt and amusing.
The main disappointment lies in the cinematic execution. There's no innovation in the science fiction plotlines that have been seen countless times before, and technically, it's not an impressive film. The cinematography and compositions in particular are standard and leave a desire for more creativity and depth. "Companion's" uniqueness lies instead in its original combination of thriller, science fiction, and comedy – which makes the viewing experience particularly enjoyable despite its limitations.
Another feature that enhances the viewing experience is the acting. Thatcher displays an even broader acting range on screen than in her last role in "Heretic," as she expertly balances between robotic and human performance. Jack Quaid continues to prove he isn't limited to playing every role in the spirit of Hughie from "The Boys," enriching his performance here with palpable menace and villainy.
While "Companion" may not be worthy of winning the Oscar for Best Picture, it's a highly enjoyable viewing experience that justifies the trip to the cinema, especially for science fiction genre enthusiasts. The plot is rich with surprising twists, and the film itself isn't too long (running about a hundred minutes).