In Hollywood, January is known as a “dump month”, basically an industry term for the period where studios typically drop movies with “lower commercial and critical expectations." Released in theatres right at the end of January this year, “Companion” doesn't fit into the mold. This sci-fi thriller is most certainly not the type of disposable time-filler that has come to typify January releases; in fact, it’s one of the year’s best sci-fi thrillers.
The directorial debut of Drew Hancock, “Companion,” launched to critical acclaim (just check out its impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores!), but frustratingly, its quality didn’t translate to widespread attention. It grossed roughly $36 million, but this isn’t a disaster when you factor in its relatively modest $10 million budget. But now it’s arrived on Prime Video, and its debut on the streaming service represents a much-deserved second chance.
If you like your sci-fi thrillers packed with twists and turns, then you’re going to love “Companion.” Plus, its narrative revolves around an ultra-advanced artificial intelligence, making it more than a little timely. If all that wasn’t enough, it features a note-perfect performance from Sophie Thatcher (and co-star Jack Qauid isn’t too bad either).
If you missed “Companion” when it released in theaters back in January, firstly, shame on you (we need to support original movies!). Secondly, now that it’s on Prime Video, you really can’t make the same mistake twice.
What is ‘Companion’ about?
Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) are a loving couple heading up to a swanky lakeside house to spend the weekend with Josh’s friends. As this will be Iris’s first time meeting Josh’s friends, she’s a little nervous, but once at this isolated location, there’s more to be worried about than socially awkward encounters and making a good first impression.
As the weekend unfolds, a twisted plan comes to light, and secrets about Iris and Josh’s seemingly perfect courtship are revealed. Eventually, betrayal and even murder are thrown into the chaotic mix, making this a not-so-relaxing weekend that nobody will ever forget.
For the record, I’m being intentionally vague with my outline of “Companion’s” plot because this is definitely a thriller where the less you know ahead of watching, the better. In fact, I would even encourage you to skip the trailer linked above, as it spoils some key reveals.
‘Companion’ is a riveting sci-fi thriller that keeps you guessing
As noted above, “Companion’s” biggest strength is its ability to constantly subvert your expectations. Just when you think you’ve got its destination mapped out, a surprise twist comes along to completely change the course of the narrative. If anything, there might actually be one twist too many in “Companion,” with so many story-shifting reveals that the unexpected factor wanes. But this is mostly a minor complaint, and doesn’t spoil the fun.
Jack Quaid of "The Boys" might be the most recognizable name on the poster, but the star of the show here is unquestionably Sophie Thatcher. The rising star is building quite the resume, also featuring in last year’s “Heretic” and with a starring role in binge-watching favorite “Yellowjackets,” but “Companion” offers Thatcher her most meaty role to date.
Frustratingly, I can’t get into exactly what makes Iris such an intriguing and ultimately compelling character without veering into spoiler territory (and I really don’t want to give away anything major), but Thatcher has to quite literally switch between two different states throughout “Companion” and manages to pull off this shift in character quite remarkably.
“Companion” got a lot of buzz around release for its A.I.-enfused subject matter, but what I enjoyed most was how its technology framework is used to explore more human dynamics. The power imbalance between the initially charismatic, but soon revealed to be deeply controlling, Josh and Thatcher’s Iris is among the movie’s most well-crafted elements, and let’s just say, you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for Iris to escape this toxic relationship.
At less than 100 minutes long, “Companion” is also expertly paced. Writer/director Drew Hancock wrings every ounce of suspense and intrigue from the core setup, sprinkles in plenty of twists, and then brings it all to a close with an emotionally cathartic conclusion. It’s a sci-fi thriller with practically zero fat, and it doesn’t waste your time for a single moment.
Stream ‘Companion’ on Prime Video this weekend
“Companion” may not have been the box office smash that its quality warranted (it finished second domestically in its opening frame to “Dog Man”), but those who did give it a chance on the big screen clearly liked what they saw. On review site Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 93% score from critics, and its viewers' rating is in the same ballpark, at a strong 89%.
If all my praise above hasn’t quite sold you on “Companion,” then perhaps those scores will tip you over the edge. If you’re a Prime Video subscriber looking for something new to watch this weekend, then it has all the ingredients to be a front-runner pick. Unless, of course, you can’t stand the sight of fake blood. Warning: there’s fake blood by the bucketful here.
Overall, “Companion” is supremely well constructed, sharply written (there’s plenty of strong humor thrown in among the murderous carnage), includes an excellent leading performance, and best of it’ll keep you guessing till the very end thanks to multiple shock reveals. It’s ranked by many critics as one of the best sci-fi thrillers of 2025 so far for a very good reason.
Want to consider all your options before committing to “Companion”? Here’s a roundup of everything new on Prime Video in October 2024. Or why not consider this equally overlooked 2025 movie just added to the Amazon streamer this month, “The Ballad of Wallis Island.”
Watch "Companion" on Prime Video now
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