Sophie Thatcher Stuns in New Horror Romance Hit - Companion Review

Will This AI Romance Horror Be The Best Horror of 2025?

TW: Bl00d - SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD…

It’s no secret that horror has never really been my thing. I tend to steer clear of it—partly because I have terrible anxiety about jumpscares, and I'm not great with excessive blood and gore either. But when Warner Bros dropped the teaser trailer for Companion, something about it immediately pulled me in. Despite my usual hesitation, I found myself captivated by the premise and intrigued by the buzz surrounding the film. Plus, it didn’t hurt that it starred two actors I’ve always thought were underrated in Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid. So when Warner Bros graciously invited me to an early screening just days before the film's official release, I knew I had to see it for myself. Was the hype I'd built in my head justified? Would it meet my expectations?

To my delight, Companion surpassed them all. It was a brilliant, gripping watch—one that made me glad I ventured outside my comfort zone.

Image: Medium

For those unfamiliar with Companion, the story centers on Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid), a couple who, at first glance, seem to have the perfect relationship. They’re headed to a cabin in the woods for a getaway with friends, but things quickly take a dark turn as Iris murders someone. As tensions rise, it becomes clear that Josh and Iris’s relationship isn’t as picture-perfect as it seems—and neither is the trip. From the moment they arrive at the cabin, the dynamics between the group are noticeably off, setting the stage for brewing conflict. Iris and Josh have starkly different opinions about the trip, and there’s an underlying tension regarding how Josh’s friends feel about Iris. As the narrative unfolds, the first major shock hits—and it’s impossible not to be drawn in, desperate to see how this pivotal moment will shape the story.

What makes Companion stand out from the rest of the romance horror movies out there is it’s ability to craft an original and inventive narrative that breaks free from typical horror tropes - with the narrative feeling all too true to what logistically we could see happening in the future with the constant developments of AI. Every twist and turn is expertly timed, leaving you genuinely stunned by the film's events. Where typically you will find in some movies that the music helps to build the suspense, this movie thrives off of using silence and ambient sound to help build tension and keep you on edge, and it’s something that has to be highly commended.

Image: IGN

Alongside this fantastically strong narrative is the incredibly talented cast, led by the quite amazing Sophie Thatcher, who steals the show. After seeing her performance in Heretic, I knew that she was going to be a talent that people should look out for and after seeing her performance in Companion, she has truly solidified herself as a talent for the future. Her performance as Iris is truly incredible, and is bought to life by her ability to move her eyes seamlessly to convey how she is feeling. Everytime an eyebrow is raised, or an eye twitches, you can tell exactly what Iris is feeling, which makes for a more emotionally driven performance. Thatcher has an incredibly strong emotional range, being able to quickly flow between the 5 stages of grief, including especially the anger she feels towards anyone who did her wrong.

While Sophie Thatcher delivers a brilliant performance, Jack Quaid is equally fantastic as Josh—the self-centered, insecure, and manipulative boyfriend. He holds a chokehold over Iris’s life, both figuratively and literally, and watching his character unravel is gripping, even if you're never rooting for him. As Josh grows increasingly unhinged in his obsessive attempt to bring Iris back to the cabin, it becomes clear just how selfish and desperate he is, willing to risk everything. Quaid has a fantastic ability to seamlessly bring a comedic element to a movie built on tension through his perfectly timed one-liners and attempts to make the audience pity him. Lukas Gage also stands out as Patrick, a character easily swayed by the actions of others. His arc plays a crucial role in the narrative’s progression, bringing unexpected emotional weight to the story, especially given his connections to the rest of the group.

Image: The Hollywood Reporter

Companion deserves its flowers for delivering an incredibly enjoyable viewing experience, seamlessly blending horror, gore, humor, and romance into a single film. Combining so many genres is no small feat, but Companion embraces the challenge with open arms and pulls it off with style. The sharply timed comedic one-liners are woven expertly into tense horror scenes, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions. While the film doesn't rely on excessive gore, every death is brutal and shockingly unexpected, leaving a lasting impact. There’s just enough blood to maintain a strong horror presence without overwhelming the viewer.

Then there’s the romantic aspect, which delves into themes of one-sided relationships, manipulation, and fake love. It thoughtfully explores the psychological toll of toxic dynamics, prompting reflection long after the credits roll.

In summary, Companion is a bold and impressive step forward for the romance-horror genre. With a stacked cast delivering standout performances, the film masterfully balances both horror and romance, blending them in a way that feels fresh and captivating.

Rating: ★★★★/5