Review: Companion

Companion follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid), along with a group of friends, during a weekend getaway at a secluded, luxurious lakeside villa. The narrative unfolds as one of the guests is revealed to be harboring a hidden nature, triggering a cascade of betrayals, manipulation, and acts of violence. Trust erodes, and each character appears to be driven by their own concealed motives.

When zero expectations become a surprise

My viewing of Companion was approached with a complete absence of prior knowledge. I was unfamiliar with the cast, the plot, and even the genre. My only point of reference was the seemingly understated cover image, which, in retrospect, cleverly encapsulates the film’s core elements. Experiencing director and screenwriter Drew Hancock’s vision without any pre-existing spoilers proved to be the optimal way to appreciate the film.

I have included the trailer below for reference, however, I strongly advise against viewing it. It divulges significant plot points. Trust me: the impact of experiencing the film with the same level of unfamiliarity is worthwhile.

The actors carry the film

Sophie Thatcher delivers a compelling performance as the film’s central figure. She skillfully portrays both vulnerability and resolve. Jack Quaid, a prolific actor in contemporary cinema, demonstrates his talent once again. He embodies a complex character, infused with humor, warmth, and a subtle, underlying darkness.

Directorial debut with potential

Companion marks Drew Hancock’s directorial debut, an achievement that is not immediately apparent. The film’s initial progression is innovative and skillfully executed. However, the narrative arc diminishes somewhat towards the conclusion, adopting more conventional tropes. A more seasoned director might have taken greater risks in this final act, maintaining the tension that the film establishes so effectively.

UHD release – technically impressive

Companion is available on an impressive 4K UHD release, a notable achievement given the film’s relatively modest budget. The film was shot using the Arri Alexa 35 and is presented in native 4K (2160p) with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The HDR10 is implemented to good effect, with accurate reproduction of skin tones, textures, and the overall color palette. The black levels are deep and detailed, particularly in the night sequences, where many smaller productions often suffer from diminished focus and sharpness.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is subtle yet effective. While not overtly bombastic, it carefully cultivates the atmosphere. The sound design, including wind effects and echoes within Sergey’s villa, combined with punctuated bursts of sound, contributes significantly to the tense atmosphere. Dialogue clarity is excellent, and the overall sound image is well-balanced.

The UHD release includes three brief but insightful featurettes. Unfortunately, a commentary track is absent, which is regrettable as it would have provided valuable insights into the film’s themes and production.

Avoid the trailer, see the film

In conclusion, Companion is an intelligent, dark, and thought-provoking film that successfully blends entertainment with social commentary, eschewing heavy-handed approaches. Drew Hancock demonstrates significant potential as a director, and Sophie Thatcher delivers a standout performance. The UHD release is technically proficient, doing justice to the film’s visual and auditory components. Had the second half maintained the same level of ingenuity as the first, the film would be an unequivocal recommendation. Finally, I reiterate: avoid the trailer and experience the film directly.

SF- Studios provided review copies for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial process; our reviews remain independent and focused on the interests of our readership.