Episode 87: Companion

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dave and Michael discuss Companion, the directorial debut from Drew Hancock. A mix of science fiction, dark comedy, and thriller, Companion follows Iris, a robot companion, as she navigates power dynamics and hidden agendas during a weekend getaway at a remote lakeside estate. The film explores themes of toxic relationships, control, and AI consciousness, all while delivering sharp humor and unexpected twists.

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• Director: Drew Hancock
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy, Thriller
• Produced by: Barbarian creative team (Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, J.D. Lipschitz, Raphael Margolis)
• Cast:
  • Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets, Heretic) as Iris
  • Jack Quaid (The Boys) as Josh
  • Lucas Gage (Euphoria, The White Lotus) as Patrick
  • Megan Suri (It Lives Inside, Never Have I Ever) as Kat
  • Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) as Eli
  • Rupert Friend (The Death of Stalin, Homeland) as Sergei

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Timestamps & Discussion Highlights

00:00:15 - Introduction

• Dave welcomes listeners to Mindframes and introduces the show’s format.
• Michael reveals the movie they’re discussing: Companion (2024).

00:00:35 - Movie Overview

• Companion is the directorial debut of Drew Hancock.
• A science fiction, dark comedy, and thriller with "stabby stab" moments but not a full horror film.
• The plot follows Iris, a robot companion, as she joins her human partner, Josh, for a weekend getaway that quickly turns into chaos.

00:02:06 - The Barbarian Connection

• Produced by Zach Cregger (Barbarian), along with Roy Lee, J.D. Lipschitz, and Raphael Margolis.
• Cregger was originally set to direct but handed the project to Hancock.
• Shares some tonal shifts and unexpected turns similar to Barbarian.

00:03:59 - A Surprisingly Funny Movie

• Marketed as horror, but the film has strong comedic elements.
• Michael stopped watching the trailer halfway because it reveals too much.
• Despite its darker themes, the humor is well-placed and helps with pacing.

00:04:26 - The Cast & Performances

• Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets, Heretic) as Iris – A standout performance.
• Jack Quaid (The Boys) as Josh – A departure from his usual roles, making him unrecognizable compared to his character Huey in The Boys.
• Lucas Gage (Euphoria, The White Lotus) as Patrick – Cast as the “pretty guy.”
• Megan Suri (It Lives Inside, Never Have I Ever) as Kat – A complex role.
• Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) as Eli – Comedic powerhouse, but hard not to see him as Guillermo.
• Rupert Friend (The Death of Stalin, Homeland) as Sergei – A mix of comedic and sinister.

00:12:51 - Cinematography, Editing & Directing

• Eli Bourne handles cinematography, giving the film an intimate, isolated feel.
• Michael praises the film’s pacing and editing, crediting Josh Ether for helping keep the story sharp.
• The location scouting is excellent, contributing to the film’s eerie atmosphere.

00:13:15 - The “Eat the Rich” Subgenre Comparison

• Companion shares *similarities with films like The Menu and Triangle of Sadness.
• Though not a direct critique of wealth, the film hints at class and power dynamics.

00:14:00 - January as a “Dumping Ground” for Movies

• Companion was released in early 2024, a time studios often use to release movies they’re unsure how to market.
• Despite this, the film is better than most January releases and deserves more recognition.

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Themes & Analysis

00:28:05 - Toxic Relationships & Power Imbalances

• Core theme: How control, manipulation, and exploitation manifest in relationships—both human and AI.
• Companion raises questions about agency and autonomy, especially in imbalanced relationships.

00:29:25 - Gender & Objectification

• Iris represents the struggles of real-world women who fight for autonomy in male-dominated spaces.
• Historically, women were seen as property—a dynamic mirrored in Iris’s role as a “companion.”

00:30:51 - The Film’s Unique Take on AI Representation

• Unlike many AI films that focus on “Pinocchio syndrome” (wanting to be real), Companion focuses on how people treat objects that can think and feel.
• Dave argues that the film doesn’t necessarily “humanize” Iris, but Michael strongly disagrees, saying she’s treated as an individual from the start.

00:37:12 - The Relationship Between Josh & Iris

• A perfect example of a toxic relationship.
• Josh gaslights and controls Iris, using his “love” as a justification for ownership.
• Parallels to real-life relationships where one partner holds all the power.

00:39:38 - Eli & Patrick: Love or Control?

• Eli & Patrick’s relationship is framed as genuine, but Eli literally has a kill switch for Patrick.
• Raises the question: Can there ever be real love when there’s an extreme power imbalance?

00:45:12 - Kat: A Different Kind of User

• Kat manipulates Sergei for money, just as Josh uses Iris for companionship.
• Unlike Josh, Kat is honest about her self-serving nature—making her an interesting contrast.
• Her conversation with Iris about feeling “disposable” adds emotional depth to her character.

00:48:43 - Josh’s Downfall & The Role of Technology

• Josh’s death by an automatic corkscrew is a symbol of his reliance on technology and the loss of control he thought he had.
• Technology and control are central themes—whether AI, smart devices, or old-school CD players.

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Verdict & Ratings

01:14:40 - Final Thoughts & Scores

• Dave: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - “One of the best AI movies in recent years.”
• Michael: ⭐⭐⭐½ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 - 4/5) - “Great performances, strong pacing, and an excellent directorial debut.”

01:20:00 - Why You Should See Companion

• Companion is in limited theatrical release, so see it before it’s gone!
• Despite marketing challenges, it’s one of the best films of early 2024.

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Closing Notes & Where to Watch

• Companion is currently in wide release but may leave theaters soon.
• Mindframes encourages listeners to share their thoughts via email.

📢 What did you think of Companion? Let us know!
📧 Email us with your thoughts!