017 - Companion (Drew Hancock)

In this episode of Screenplay Lab, we dive into the genre-bending screenplay of Companion (2025), a sci-fi horror comedy written and directed by debut filmmaker Drew Hancock. Starring Sophia Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Jack Quaid (The Boys), Companion is a bold, twisty narrative that shifts from dark comedy to sci-fi thriller to full-on horror, all while tackling themes like toxic masculinity, autonomy, and identity.

We break down what makes this screenplay stand out—from crisp formatting and dry wit to inventive exposition and layered symbolism. If you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, or fan of smart genre storytelling, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode:

• How Companion nails exposition and formatting

• Symbolism deep dive (yes, including that Goo Goo Dolls moment)

• Script vs. screen: What changed and why

• The evolution of Drew Hancock as a writer-director

• Standout performances from Thatcher and Quaid

• Comparisons to films like Barbarian

Whether you're here to level up your craft or just love a smart, surprising screenplay, this episode delivers.

🎙️ About The Screenplay Lab:
We study and appreciate screenplays as stand-alone literary works, not just blueprints for film. We deconstruct a script in each episode, uncovering what makes it unique and exploring what writers can learn.

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