Companion (2025) Movie Review

Companion (2025) Movie Review

New Line cinema was the pinnacle horror studio for most of the 1980s and 1990s, launched from the back of Robert Shaye’s car in the early 80s and really taking flight with A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. The studio went on to produce the Lord of the Rings films in the early 2000s and has dabbled across many genres since. However, one genre that has been noticeably missing from their slate of films has been horror, which is ironic, as the horror genre is a big proponent of their success as a Hollywood studio. However, in 2025, they’ve struck gold once again with one of the better horror flicks of recent years with ‘Companion’.

Whilst not lighting the box office on fire, only making just shy of $37 million at the worldwide box office, the film struck a chord with critics and audiences alike, holding an impressive 94% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes and impressive 89% approval rating from audiences. The film follows Iris (played by Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (played by jack Quaid, s they journey to a remote cabin in the woods, for a weekend getaway with friends. However, things take a turn as one of the people at the cabin may not be what they seem. I’ve become a huge fan of Sophie Thatcher (The Boogeyman, MaXXXine, Heretic) and jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream V, Novacaine). Both actors have appeared in genre pieces in recent years that have truly transcended just run of the mill horror and their work here with writer/director Drew Hancock is no exception.

Companion is one of the biggest surprises of 2025 so far. It seamlessly blends horror and comedy very well, giving audiences tense moments populated with solid gore, whilst also providing an interesting look into a reliance on technology and our obsession with it. Where does love to begin and end etc. I found the themes to be though-provoking, without ever being too preachy. I don’t want to spoil the twists and turns, because I think the trailers did a very good job at hiding the films core elements, which made for a great surprise in the cinema. Writer/Director Drew Hancock clearly has a love for the horror genre, and its on full display here, with some truly memorable sequences.

The cast are another strength of the film, with Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid both continuing their respective hot streaks with yet another memorable genre-bending entry into their impressive filmographies. Thatcher blew me away in Heretic last year (you can check out my blog post for that one here), giving a commanding performance against a very dominant co-star in Hugh Grant. She was mesmerising and here, she again steals the show as Iris. She has to give a very nuanced performance here, and I think she does a terrific job. There are a lot of subtle hints to her backstory early on and once the films reveal who she is, she has to again alter her performance to match this narrative twist. Jack Quaid also has nuances to his performance, we think of him as useless, absent boyfriend, but once the plot develops, our thoughts of his character quickly change, and Quaid’s performance matches this narrative shift. He is also fantastic, and is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most reliable, young, character actors. The supporting cast are also wonderful with the likes of Lukas Gage (White Lotus S1, Smile 2), Harvey Guillen (What We Do in the Shadows) and a scene stealing turn from Rupert friend (Hitman Agent 47). It’s a great ensemble and the cast all do a great job.

The first big surprise of the year, ‘Companion’ is funny, well-constructed and hammers home its message, without being preachy. This dark comedy/thriller is elevated by a stellar performance by Sophie Thatcher, who continues to impress with her entries in the horror genre. Jack Quaid also does a great job here as well. Writer/director Drew Hancock does a great job here balancing a satirical tone, with poignant themes, executing it in a way that’s both fun and thought-provoking.  I had a blast here with Companion and would recommend you all check it out. Secure your copy of ‘Companion’ on DVD, Blu-Ray or 4K Ultra HD today, you won’t want to miss it!

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Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here