If there’s ever a movie that is best experienced without knowing anything about it, it’s Companion, the latest from producer Zach Cregger of Barbarian fame and writer/director Drew Hancock. While the draw is the star power of its two leads, this twisty and at times, wickedly dark thriller makes for a fun time at the movies, especially for those going in blind.
All I can say is that the film centers around Iris (Sophie Thatcher, Yellowjackets) and Josh (Jack Quaid, Scream) and how their weekend getaway at a remote cabin with two other couples goes terribly wrong. From there, it goes crazy with an early gasper of a plot twist near the film’s midpoint, which at first, seems like the only trick this thriller has up its sleeve. Astonishingly, that’s just the beginning of the fun; Hancock’s razor sharp script knows just when to play its aces and exactly when to hold back and bet big to make sure once shit hits the fan, you’re on board and not shocked just for shock’s sake.
But what really makes the insanity that follows compelling is Thatcher’s dynamite performance. If you weren’t on the Sophie Thatcher hype train before this movie, this will seal the deal for any doubters. Iris is one of the hardest characters to pull off and in the hands of a lesser actress, she could’ve gone very wrong, but Thatcher is so good that from minute one to the final scene, we, the audience, are in her corner and want to see her get to her ultimate goal no matter what.
Quaid as Josh is also a tricky tightrope to walk for an actor, but Quaid practically makes it look easy. His palpable chemistry with Thatcher is a plus, especially as the duo’s relationship evolves throughout the film. These two go through a dramatic journey that gives the film a twisted edge at times, but both actors sell it all the way through and the script gives them the chance to explore a certain subject matter in a unique way that separates this from any other film of that type- what type that is, you’ll know when you see it.
I wish I could talk more about Companion but the surprises are best saved for the theater. Trust me, this dark and biting ride will have you talking about its twists and turns for a long, long time.
Companion is now playing in theaters everywhere.
A native of Boise, Idaho, Bradley is a hardcore entertainment junkie whose interest span many different genres. Favorite shows include: The Originals, Agents of SHIELD, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Silicon Valley and Powers.
