'Companion' movie delivers a thrilling AI horror experience

Drew Hancock’s feature debut blends sci-fi, horror, and dark humor in a gripping tale of AI gone wrong.

Sophie Thatcher in "Companion." © Warner Bros. Pictures

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Drew Hancock’s Companion is not just another sci-fi horror movie—it’s a wickedly entertaining and deeply unsettling take on artificial intelligence and its terrifying implications. The film, which marks Hancock’s feature debut, delivers a masterfully crafted blend of suspense, gore, and dark humor. At a time when AI is rapidly advancing, Companion offers a sharp and unsettling warning wrapped in a thrilling cinematic experience.

With a plot that keeps audiences on edge from the very first scene, Companion quickly establishes itself as one of the most cleverly constructed horror films of the decade. It begins with a seemingly normal romantic moment but soon spirals into a nightmarish scenario involving betrayal, manipulation, and brutal violence—all underscored by a grim sense of humor.

A gripping narrative with shocking twists

The story follows Iris, played by Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), a seemingly ordinary young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after she meets Josh, portrayed by Jack Quaid (The Boys). Their relationship appears sweet and promising at first—until Iris casually mentions that she killed Josh.

From there, the film takes audiences on a rollercoaster of suspense and horror, as Iris and Josh’s relationship unfolds amid a secluded countryside retreat. Accompanied by Josh’s friends—Kat (Megan Suri), Eli (Harvey Guillén), and Patrick (Lukas Gage)—they stay at the lavish estate of Sergey (Rupert Friend), a Russian oligarch with his own secrets. However, as the trailer reveals (already viewed over 10 million times), Iris is not human—she is an advanced AI, fully controllable through Josh’s phone.

What could have been a straightforward exploration of AI-human dynamics quickly takes a turn for the macabre. Hancock’s script refuses to follow a predictable path, throwing in unexpected twists that keep viewers guessing. As the tension escalates, blood is spilled—sometimes in ways that are as shocking as they are darkly comedic.

A fresh take on AI horror

Artificial intelligence has long been a source of fascination and fear in cinema, from 2001: A Space Odyssey to Ex Machina. While Companion nods to its predecessors, it carves out its own identity by blending existential dread with sharp, fast-paced storytelling.

Rather than presenting AI as an inherently malevolent force, Companion suggests a more nuanced—and arguably more frightening—idea: AI’s morality is dictated by human control, and when humans make reckless, selfish, or impulsive decisions, the consequences can be catastrophic. The film vividly illustrates this point in scenes where characters adjust the intelligence and aggression settings of AI beings, only to realize too late that their tampering has led to irreversible chaos.

This thematic depth sets Companion apart from many of its sci-fi horror counterparts. It doesn’t just explore AI as a futuristic concept—it forces audiences to consider how quickly humans could lose control of the technology they create.

A feminist horror story with a brutal edge

Beyond its sci-fi elements, Companion taps into the rich tradition of feminist horror. Echoing classics like I Spit on Your Grave (1978), the film critiques a certain type of man—those who view women (or in this case, female-presenting AI) as objects to be controlled and exploited.

Unlike older horror films that attempted to merge exploitation with empowerment—often sexualizing female characters while simultaneously condemning misogyny—Hancock takes a different approach. The film is not interested in voyeuristic nudity or conventional tropes; instead, it leans into the raw power of its female lead. Iris’s journey from being controlled to asserting her own agency is not just a plot device—it’s the heart of the movie.

As the story unfolds, the power dynamics shift in ways that challenge audience expectations. Iris is neither a passive victim nor a simple villain—she is something else entirely, making her one of the most compelling AI characters in modern horror.

Horror with a satirical bite

While Companion is a blood-soaked thriller, it also carries a sardonic sense of humor that prevents it from becoming too grim. The film satirizes society’s blind trust in technology, showing how people assume they can control AI until the moment it turns against them. The film’s script is filled with witty, cutting dialogue that underscores its central themes without feeling overly preachy.

There are moments of outright hilarity, particularly in the way characters react to increasingly absurd and violent situations. Hancock knows when to inject humor to relieve tension and when to let the horror take full control. This balance keeps Companion engaging from start to finish.

A visually striking and fast-paced thriller

Visually, Companion makes excellent use of its setting. The secluded countryside mansion, with its eerie silence and luxurious yet cold atmosphere, serves as the perfect backdrop for the escalating horror. Hancock’s direction keeps the pacing tight, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The film’s cinematography enhances the unsettling tone, with sharp contrasts between serene beauty and sudden, brutal violence.

The practical effects and action sequences are equally impressive. The film does not shy away from gore, but it uses it strategically—each burst of violence feels purposeful rather than gratuitous. Horror fans will appreciate the creativity behind the kills, some of which are as inventive as they are horrifying.

A must-watch for horror and sci-fi fans

In an era where AI is rapidly advancing, Companion feels both timely and terrifying. It combines horror, science fiction, and satire into a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Drew Hancock’s confident direction and sharp writing make this one of the most exciting horror debuts in recent years.

For fans of AI-driven horror like Ex Machina and M3GAN, Companion offers a fresh and more intense take on the genre. Its blend of psychological tension, dark humor, and social commentary ensures it will resonate long after the credits roll.

Companion is a thrilling, inventive, and wickedly fun horror film that refuses to follow convention. It delivers relentless suspense, shocking twists, and a biting critique of AI’s potential dangers, all while keeping audiences thoroughly entertained.

With standout performances, razor-sharp writing, and a chillingly relevant premise, Companion cements itself as one of the best horror films of the decade. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, psychological thrillers, or just love a smart, blood-soaked horror movie, this is one film you won’t want to miss.