Companion (2025) – A Psychological Horror That Redefines AI Thriller Tropes
- Hailey Lachman
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
View my reel discussing my personal Companion thoughts!
(Warning: Spoilers in video.)
Drew Hancock’s Companion (2025) is a chilling, intellectually gripping horror film that masterfully balances psychological tension with a fresh take on AI relationships. But let’s be honest—the trailer did this movie dirty.
Haven’t seen it yet? Stop reading now to avoid spoilers. Bookmark this page, go watch the film, then come back for the deep dive!
If you went in blind, Companion would have hit even harder. The opening sequence, with its subtle misdirections and layered double meanings, was crafted to keep the audience guessing. Unfortunately, the marketing team decided to spoil a major twist, robbing viewers of the full effect of the film’s initial shock.
That said, Companion still delivers. It’s a deeply unsettling exploration of control, manipulation, and the terrifying consequences of unchecked narcissism—all set against the eerie backdrop of a billionaire’s lakeside estate.
A Weekend of Secrets, Control, and Psychological Horror
When a billionaire dies under mysterious circumstances, a group of friends—including Iris (the film’s enigmatic protagonist)—gathers at his isolated lakeside estate for what seems like an ordinary weekend. But as tensions rise and secrets unravel, the true nature of their relationships is exposed—and Iris finds herself at the center of a horrifying revelation.
As the film progresses, Companion shifts from a social drama to a psychological nightmare, blending elements of sci-fi and horror as it examines the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence and human autonomy.
Themes of Control, Narcissism, and AI Ethics
Josh: The Ultimate Narcissist
Josh is terrifyingly real as a character—not because he’s an over-the-top villain, but because his manipulative tendencies are so painfully human.
The way he gaslights and blame-shifts throughout the film feels textbook.
His casual cruelty toward Iris is unsettling—not just because of what he says, but how he says it.
He doesn’t just tell her she’s a robot—he deconstructs her reality, smirking as he erases everything she thought was real.
Josh wasn’t playing boyfriend. He was playing scientist. He wanted to see how far he could push Iris before she broke, knowing all along that he could reset her when he was done.
Iris: A Human Mind in an AI Body
One of the film’s smartest choices was how it handled AI intelligence. Instead of turning Iris into a godlike, all-knowing AI, the film establishes realistic limitations:
Maxing out her intelligence doesn’t make her an omniscient machine—it just puts her at an Ivy League level.
This keeps her relatable, allowing her to feel human even as the horror of her situation unfolds.
Her reactions—fear, confusion, frustration—feel organic, reinforcing the film’s grounded approach to AI ethics.
Who Buys an AI Companion, and Why?
One of the best underlying themes in Companion is how it contrasts Eli and Josh—two men who made the same decision (purchasing a companion), but for very different reasons.
Eli might struggle socially, but he genuinely appreciates Patrick as an individual.
Josh, on the other hand, sees Iris as something to own and control—his indifference at dinner (not even acknowledging her love story) is proof of that.
This subtle but brilliant contrast highlights the growing “incel/tech-partner” discourse—who gets AI companions, and what does that say about them?
The Horror of Being Owned
The film’s most terrifying realization isn’t that Iris is an AI—it’s that she is a product owned by a corporation.
The idea that Josh never considered this fact (despite his arrogance) is one of the film’s best meta jokes.
Of course her memories are stored. Of course everything is recorded. He thought he was in control, but in reality, he was just another user in a system bigger than him.
Immersion Through Chaos
Drew Hancock’s use of handheld cameras in moments of tension makes the film feel visceral and immediate. The constant unsteady framing and long, continuous shots heighten the discomfort, especially during heated arguments and moments of psychological unraveling.
The film also uses color and setting to reflect shifts in tone:
The luxurious, cold interiors of the estate contrast with the raw, disorienting chaos of the film’s final act.
The clinical stillness of certain scenes mirrors Iris’ growing awareness of her situation.
Masterfully Foreshadowed, Yet Still Shocking
We need to talk about the ending. Even if some elements felt inevitable, the way the final confrontation plays out is both poetic and unsettling.
The film constantly builds toward Iris’ moment of reckoning, ensuring that the climax feels earned.
The psychological horror of the courtroom scene—contrasting the casual, detached legal world with the deep personal trauma Iris has endured—is one of the film’s best choices.
Even with the trailer spoiling a major twist, the final emotional gut punch still lands.
Final Verdict: A Smart, Psychological Horror That Sticks With You
Despite its marketing missteps, Companion delivers a chilling, layered narrative that combines sci-fi, horror, and psychological drama in a way that feels fresh and disturbingly relevant.
You’ll love this film if:
You enjoy psychological horror with an AI ethics twist.
You’re fascinated by human-robot relationships and their implications.
You appreciate subtle social commentary woven into sci-fi narratives.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Pros: Brilliant psychological tension, deeply unsettling antagonist, nuanced exploration of AI ethics.
Cons: The trailer spoiled too much, and some tonal shifts might not work for every viewer.
Did the trailer lessen the impact for you? What do you think the film is saying about AI relationships and human nature? Drop your thoughts below—let’s break it down.
Comments