This is why there was a PSA in “Futurama” with the warning “DON’T DATE ROBOTS.”
The titular companion in this sci-fi feature is Iris (Sophie Thatcher), a young woman who’s going on a weekend getaway with her boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid). They’re staying with two couples Josh is friends with, Patrick and Eli, as well as Kat and Sergey.
Unbeknownst to Iris, though, is the fact that she’s actually a robot, built, designed and programmed to be a romantic partner. That fact is eventually revealed to her in the process of the friend group enacting a scheme to get rich, which puts her in danger.
“Companion” isn’t a film that reinvents the wheel. We’ve seen plenty of movies with relationships involving AI, from 2013’s “Her” to 2015’s “Ex Machina,” as well as the “Blade Runner” flicks. While some of the concepts at play feel familiar, though, the execution with the movie makes it work quite well.
One good thing about “Companion” is the pace and the vibe. It doesn’t take long to get the ball rolling with this one, and once it does, it becomes a real thrill. It feels quick and snappy, with a frantic energy throughout that keeps a viewer captivated.
Josh and his friends have to deal with a plot that’s unraveling at a fast rate. There situation, which grows more desperate, along with Iris’ ongoing fight for survival and self-actualization, makes this one very watchable. The latter especially adds to the picture, as a viewer can’t help but root for Iris against the odds.
That only works if it’s believable that the robot character is convincing as an AI, but also shows clear signs of evolving as an actual being beyond their programming. “Companion,” written and directed by Drew Hancock, does just that. Of course, Iris’ character arc is also helped by the actress playing her.
Sophie Thatcher is really authentic in portraying both her character’s robotic side, as well as her growing sense of self. There’s a clear progression of Iris becoming more human, while she also deals with the ongoing suspenseful situation she’s in.
Jack Quaid also deserves credit for his part. This is the second strong film he’s been in 2025, with the other being “Novocaine.” Unlike that film where he played someone charming and good-hearted, here, he’s more of the opposite. Josh really isn’t a good guy, and Quaid does a solid job really dialing up his nature which establishes him as more and more of a threat.
The rest of the characters are pretty good as well. While not too complex, they work in what is essentially a straightforward genre film. It should be noted, though, that the film’s climax does feel a bit dragged out and, again, this isn’t quite the most original flick out there.
However, it where it counts. A good central character, plenty of suspense, a good deal of effective comedy and some sharpness in taking on subjects of AI and toxic relationships. Definitely a welcome entry to the robot sci-fi genre. 4.2 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 
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