Companion Review: A Thrilling Mind-Bender Best Watched Blind

Companion (2025) – A Mind-Bending Thriller You Should Go in Blind For

How do you talk about a film when the trailer spoils a major twist, yet that twist is just the start of a complete mind-bending journey? Let’s dive into Companion and see how this plays out.

Directed by Drew Hancock and produced by J.D. Lifshitz—one of the minds behind Barbarian (2022)—Companion comes with high expectations. Although Barbarian wasn’t for everyone (myself included), the marketing team thought it was strong enough to use as a selling point for this film.

The film stars Jack Quaid (The Boys) and Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), two actors who bring a compelling presence to the screen.

The Trailer Dilemma

When the first teaser dropped, Companion seemed to be a psychological thriller about a man who captures and tortures his wife or girlfriend. It lacked context but was intriguing enough to warrant curiosity. Then the full trailer arrived—and let me just say, do not watch it. It reveals a significant twist that should have been left for audiences to experience firsthand. Going in blind is absolutely the best way to enjoy this movie.

The IMAX Experience

This was my first real IMAX experience (I saw Gladiator 2 in IMAX but wasn’t impressed). The audio in Companion was far superior. From the teaser alone, you know you’re in for a thriller, and when the tension rises, the soundtrack enhances every moment. The amplified sound elevates the experience, making the intense moments hit even harder.

The Story (Spoiler-Free)

The film follows a young woman named Iris who meets Josh at a grocery store. They quickly fall in love, and their relationship seems perfect. Josh then takes Iris on a retreat to a mountain getaway with his friends, who are less than thrilled about her presence. Everything seems normal—until about 20 to 30 minutes into the film. That’s when things take a sharp, unexpected turn.

Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher deliver gripping performances that keep you guessing. The film plays with your expectations, making it difficult to predict where the story will land. While there are some hokey moments that slightly disrupt the pacing, the film remains a thrilling ride once the core narrative kicks in.

Final Verdict

Despite its minor flaws, Companion delivers a suspenseful and engaging experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s best enjoyed without prior knowledge of its twists. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with unexpected layers, this one’s for you. 9/10.

SPOILER WARNING: Trailer Reveal Below

If you haven’t seen the trailer or want to go in completely unspoiled, stop reading now. You’ve been warned.

Okay, still here? Let’s talk about the biggest reveal in the trailer: Iris is an android.

I have no idea how much more the trailer revealed beyond this, but the moment I saw that twist, I immediately stopped watching. The film does drop subtle hints if you pay close attention to the dialogue and character interactions. But her being a robot carries much deeper implications for the story.

If this review convinced you to check out Companion, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.