Teh horror genre has been experiencing a remarkable resurgence, much to the delight of fans like myself. Recently, one of the standout horror films that graced theaters is Drew Hancock’s Companion, which is currently available for streaming on Max subscription. I had the chance to watch it during a flight and was pleasantly surprised by its comedic elements.
A significant plot twist occurs about a quarter into Companion, revealing that Sophie Thatcher’s character, Iris, is actually a robot. This revelation propels both the humor and horror aspects of the film forward, making its 97-minute runtime feel incredibly swift. While I had heard positive buzz surrounding Companion, no one prepared me for just how funny it woudl turn out to be.
A Blend of Humor, Emotion, and Gore in Companion
Drew Hancock’s screenplay masterfully weaves dark humor throughout the narrative until we reach the film’s climax. However, it also manages to incorporate genuine stakes and emotional depth along its journey. As viewers, we find ourselves rooting for Iris while also feeling empathy for other characters like Patrick played by Lukas Gage. A successful horror film often requires an emotionally driven storyline to engage audiences effectively; this is another area where Companion succeeds brilliantly.
No discussion about the humor in Companion would be complete without mentioning Harvey Guillén’s outstanding performance. Known widely for his role as Guillermo in What We Do In The Shadows (available on Hulu), Guillén showcases impeccable comedic timing as Eli—a character who steals scenes effortlessly.

The Stellar Cast of Companion Delivers Impactful Performances… Literally!
Sophie Thatcher deserves significant recognition for her role; her performance has been highlighted in various reviews including CinemaBlend’s take on Companion . Fans of shows like Yellowjackets ‘ will appreciate her ability to bring depth and humanity to her robotic character Iris. It’s fascinating how she navigates her habitat while also showcasing extraordinary physical comedy when controlled by Jack Quaid’s character Josh.
I often try to catch up on new films during flights since I struggle with sleep onboard. Watching a horror movie among fellow passengers can sometimes be awkward—especially if they’re not keen on gore while walking down aisles! Nevertheless, I’m thrilled I finally watched this film; it held my full attention throughout my trip abroad. That segment of my flight passed quickly as I laughed through both its violent scenes and humorous moments.
I eagerly anticipate what director/writer Drew Hancock will create next following his work on Companion em>.Hopefully he’ll announce an upcoming project soon—perhaps another thrilling horror-comedy that could make waves at theaters listed among upcoming releases!