Companion is a 2025 horror comedy starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend. It’s crazy how there are two official synopses for the film. I am going to give you the better one. A billionaire’s death sets off a chain of events for a group of friends during a weekend trip to his lakeside estate. Boom! There you go. That’s exactly how mysterious the movie should have been promoted. While there are surprises, this is also a great example as to the marketing revealing too much. Similar to producer Zach Cregger’s latest film, Barbarian, this is a film best going into completely blind.

I’ve seen where this has been at the top of a lot of people’s most anticipated lists of the year. That’s crazy when we are only in January. With an IMAX run, it went to show how much promise there was in the film. I can’t say the IMAX screen enhanced the viewing experience, but the idea of such premium format helps heighten the importance of seeing the film. Given the surprises and the qualities this film holds, this feels like an event worth seeing in the theater.

Actress Sophie Thatcher has been absolutely crushing it since her theatrical debut in 2018’s Prospect when she starred opposite Pedro Pascal. Since then, she has been more recognizable in works such as The Boogeyman, MaXXXine, Heretic, and Yellowjackets. She has a likable presence that reminds me a lot of Anya Taylor-Joy just in their tone and their mannerisms. Thatcher puts on an acting class in her performance here. Considering this had more spoiled in the promos that what it deserved, I am going to treat this as though it hasn’t been spoiled. When we get to the reveal of who Thatcher’s character really is, you begin to realize just how locked in she is. There are moments that require her to consistently change her language and actions that is truly unbelievable to witness. Just one of the several instances where my jaw was on the floor.

My jaw was also on the floor with the amount of twists and turns that occur. The first act of the film does feel choppy with characters acting and talking in an unrealistic fashion. At first, it felt like the direction didn’t know how to create a realistic setting. When the main reveal occurs, you begin to see things differently. When the real nature of who these people are revealed, my jaw was once again on the floor. I don’t think I audibly gasped like that since Parasite.

By the time, we get to the middle portion of the film, everything is at a 10/10. The cinematography invites you into the isolation of the situation. The editing helps give each character the proper amount of screentime. The sound design transitions in and out perfectly. The visuals and makeup are also outstanding. Everything looks great. It’s clear this idea was born out of the pandemic, and what a more fitting way to do that by integrating themes that are relevant to today.

As much as this is Thatcher’s film, the film also spends a considerable amount of screentime with each character. Quaid has a meaningful character arc that tackles the nice guy trope. Lukas Gage is an easy standout. Between his work here and in Smile 2, the guy is going places. It’s also great to see Harvey Guillén getting such a strong role outside of television. Give him more roles! Megan Suri, a name I was not familiar with, does some great work. As for Rupert Friend, he effectively makes use of his time by creating a memorable character.

What’s so great about the storyline with these side characters is that it makes you rustle with their ideology. At first, I questioned why they could like each other given what we found out about these characters. Then, it becomes fitting, but it also makes you question who the real villain is. Anxiety will make you do crazy things. When more and more is revealed, you realize how easy it can be gaslit. This is a great film that helps you realize to always trust your gut.

The third act leans into some cliche, predictable plot points. It’s clear the film lingers on longer than it needs to. The situation just sort of drags. Character’s stories abruptly stop, the villain talks way too much about his plan before following through on his plan, and it’s clear the film is going to give you a happy ending. I loved how the film followed through on its themes where it made me say “good for her.” It just didn’t need to take the cliche route. For a film that was mostly unpredictable, I do wish the third act continued being unpredictable until the very end.

Overall, Companion is the first great movie that I think will satisfy nearly everyone. It is best seen in theaters, knowing as little as possible. Sophie Thatcher is a star in the making with a performance that will show why she deserves more roles. The film also has an impressive supporting cast that are so good at being unlikable. The film has many technical achievements that enhance the viewing experience. Definietely a movie you need to see as soon as possible.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)