Companion

Basically a Black Mirror episode, but in a standalone format.

I went into it without watching any trailers, which I think made the experience even more enjoyable and surprising.

The pacing and duration were okay: fast enough to keep things engaging, but short enough to avoid unnecessary scenes or fillers. It wasn't slow or drawn-out, which I really appreciated.

Sophie Thatcher's portrayal of the main character stood out to me. I think she was a good choice for this role.

The main idea of the movie is not very original, but, overall, I would recommend it as an easy weekend movie (not bad, not great either)

The marketing shouldn't have revealed the big first act twist however, Companion is still twisty enough to not be derailed by that and it's unpredictable nature also makes it worthy of Barbarian director Zach Cregger's heavily marketed producing credit. It's a great thriller about the worst tendencies of the worst kinds of men and their ideal controlling relationship, eschewing subtlety to bluntly state and show its themes for a bloody good time.

Sophie Thatcher is fantastic in what should be a star making performance. She's done strong work in a couple of horror films recently but this is on a whole other level since so much more is required of her and she does it all flawlessly. Jack Quaid cements that he's as good at playing nice guys who really aren't as he is playing loveable characters like Hughie from The Boys. Just like his performance in Scream, he knows exactly how to portray a pathetic character effectively.

In an impressive debut, writer & director Drew Hancock keeps the film on its toes without breaking the momentum it gains very quickly with perfectly timed humour whilst drip feeding information about the larger world at play. Eli Born's cinematography stands out by drawing attention to the most important items that end up being used in highly satisfying ways and the soundtrack utilises very knowing song choices throughout.

Imagine a modern twist on The Stepford Wives. If you've seen the trailer, you'll have a pretty good idea of where this is going, because the trailer reveals too much, why do they keep doing this?!

The film was entertaining and had its moments. There were a few laughs and a good dose of gore to keep things interesting. Sophie Thatcher definitely stole the show with her performance, making it worth the watch.

The movie delivers what it promises without any pretentious fluff, but it doesn't really break any new ground. It's a fun ride if you're in the mood for something light and gory, but don't expect any major surprises. Overall, it's an enjoyable film, but don't go in with sky-high expectations.

PS. I was completely convinced right until the credits rolled that Orlando Bloom was in this, but no, it was his doppelganger, Rupert Friend.

Not knowing anything about this before viewing thought it might be a tame rom-com or something. Oh how wrong I was!

There are a number of twists within the movie that are unexpected (or are they?) to the point I do want to watch it again to see if the signs were there. The characters are likeable and very unlikeable throughout. There are some very funny moments where the cinema audience all laughed and the plot, all be it ridiculous, is enjoyable and you can imagine it happening in the not so near future.

There are definite Black Mirror elements and this only adds to the fluid story line. It's a really interesting take on the future and above all a whole lot of fun.

Great film!

$10M, 90 minute movie with good writing that is well acted. Loved it! Would happily take 20 of these over one Kraven or the 45th Indiana Jones movie, etc. Thanks New Line!

Everyone who made this movie did their job well. Great script with plenty of turns and some laughs. Casting did a great job, with Eli and Patrick in particular getting great performances. Movie was shot and directed well, edited well with some pretty minor effects that were done well. All in all just a well rounded, great effort that I hope audiences turn out for because this is the kind of movie studios should be making imo.