The Companion

I approach these kinds of SF movies with the expectations of, say, an Outer Limits (newer) episode. If the acting is adequate and the effects not too cheesy, then the plot and dialog determine my enjoyment level more than anything. And this film did not dissapoint. OK, it is a 'B' grade film, but there isn't much need for effects, as the android by definition looks and acts pretty much like a human. What effects were there were done fine. The acting was also fine, with both leads and the supporting cast turning in what for me were effective performances. In particular, Bruce Greenwood was competent at portraying the various levels of programmed emotion in his character, as well as the injured mode later in the film.

The plot and dialog were what really got me, however. Many elements also found in the blockbuster AI are also to be found in this flick, such as: what is love for / from a robot; does a robot really feel; how should we treat a machine that for all outward appearances is fairly human; etc. For me, these issues are broadly applicable, as they apply to how we treat other humans that seem somewhat "different" from us, and animals as well (pets/slaves/meat). Themes like this should spark debate in the viewer and help reframe issues that have grown worn with time due to their use as political footballs.

Real SF to me isn't just a bundle of action and special effects. The best SF explores the human reaction to technology. In this regard (and almost every other) I liked this film more than AI. If you are interested in a good robot flick, and like SF that showcases the interaction of technology and humanity, you might want to check it out.

Successful romantic novel writer, disillusioned with "love", retreats to the countryside for a while.

She takes with her a romantic companion, a life-like robot who can be 'programmed' at different levels.

And it is that programming and re-programming which is at the center of this drama.

First rate casting, with all the actors giving convincing and watchable performances. My only gripe is that the basic story is hardly original and seems to have been done in similar ways many times. Nonetheless the two leads are excellent and kept me viewing until the end.

Well actually they are anything but simple - still no pun intended! And no trying to blame technology for whatever. I reckon this being afraid of AI is nothing new - and this is working nowadays too. Even more so, when you consider the acting talent at hand here.

I probably would have loved this more if I had watched it back in the day (me as a teenager that is, also target audience in the 90s). Acting is good, but it is the story that is super predictable and you will not have problems seeing where this is going. Which almost makes the characters in this seem .... well not too intelligent ... but you have to have people not being too intelligent for stuff to happen ...