Companion follows in the footsteps of Barbarian & Strange Darling
Film review
Barbarian (2022) and Strange Darling (2023) both fooled you into thinking that you were watching some extremely mediocre horror film. But both tales took a turn for the best, roughly within the first quarter when you’re suddenly thrown into something much more interesting than you anticipated when starting this journey. Companion mimics the same trick, although if you watch the official trailer as opposed to the teaser, this element of surprise would be ruined for you.
We start this tale off through the perspective of Iris (Sophie Thatcher) who encounters love at first sight with Josh (Jack Quaid) in a supermarket. She’s found what seems to be the perfect remedy for her lack of self-worth. We’re then suddenly thrust into a trip to a secluded billionaire’s house (Rupert Friend) where the couple are among what appear to be friends. Tragedy eventually unfolds, and it's from this point that things finally spice up after a period of mediocrity.
Plot twists are usually known for occurring at the start of a third act or the end of the second. The sudden change in tone and plot direction occurring so early on in the duration of these very recent horror works should be referred to as a different term. Let’s go with ‘Plot Switch’ to differentiate the two. To reveal what this switch is would be detrimental to allowing yourself to enjoy the ride this tale takes you on. The switch packs the same punch as Barbarian and Strange Darling but the overall quality probably ranks the lowest of the three. That isn’t to say it’s not good. You will enjoy yourself with Companion if you avoid spoilers. It’s worth repeating- avoid the official trailer.
Other than amusement and violence to keep you stimulated, Companion does offer a dose of intelligence within its narrative. It takes the opportunity to use current existential threats to explore the vulnerability of the human condition through narcissistic abuse and control. While this does lead to a slightly over-the-top, theatrical battle between good and evil that you’d find in a family-friendly movie, you appreciate its efforts to present something deeper than pure entertainment. Companion isn’t perfect, but it’s far from disappointing.
Out in UK cinemas now