Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding January releases. However, more often than not, there are gems that do drop early in the year that get ignored. First-time Feature Director/Writer Drew Hancock brings Horror/Comedy/Romance fans alike a new take on the genre that breaks down the pros and cons of Technology, with a seriously dark twist in Companion. This needs to be seen to be believed, and going in blind is the best way to experience this as the marketing might be revealing *way* too much.
The Film focuses on couple, Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) after they have a meet cute that is similar to the meet cute in Fresh as they’re going away for the weekend to their friend, Sergey (Rupert Friend) isolated remote mansion. Iris has a lot of reservations about this as Kat (Megan Suri) truly detests her (for reasons we find out shortly into the movie) but she tries to make the most out of the situation. However, they’re not alone on this adventure as they’re joined by Eli (Harvey Guillen) and his boyfriend, Patrick (Lukas Gage). They all try to make the most out of their weekend but when Sergey is killed, it sets-off a series of events and a dangerous game of cat and mouse that reveals everyone’s motives and nobdy is safe.
What makes Companion work on so many levels, is the dedication from the entire Cast. Everyone is giving it their all, and delivering resonating performances. At once, Hancock is crafting something different and unique that we never know exactly where it is going to go. The Movie could literally survive or die putting its weight on Sophie Thatcher and thankfully, like always, she shines bright and brings such life and chaos to Iris. She truly is a star and continues to deliver upon that acclamation. This is not to say that Megan Suri, Jack Quaid, and Harvey Guillen aren’t also excellent, but the other standout here is Lukas Gage, who captivates.
Lastly though, the direction and Script from Hancock are rather noteworthy. Creating a genre-fluid movie that bends the typical Romantic Comedy, adding Horror elements to it and still feeling fresh, is a difficult task that he manages to execute perfectly. Ensuring that the audience has a good sense of what the *twist* is before it happens and then letting the chaos truly preside is what makes Companion a wild ride that is sure to cute those winter blues.
Companion truly is a killer good time.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release COMPANION in theatres on Friday, January 31, 2025.
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