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 cinematog

Episode Transcript

(00:15):
Welcome to Mindframes, the sometimes half-assed but always wholehearted film conversation.
Today, we are discussing Companion, the directorial debut from Drew Hancock. A mix of science fiction, dark comedy, and thriller.

(02:06):
Companion is produced by Zach Cregger (Barbarian), along with Roy Lee, J.D. Lipschitz, and Raphael Margolis.

(03:59):
Marketed as horror, but the film has strong comedic elements. Michael stopped watching the trailer halfway because it reveals too much.

The cast and performances: - Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets, Heretic) as Iris – A standout performance. - Jack Quaid (The Boys) as Josh – A departure from his usual roles. - Lucas Gage (Euphoria, The White Lotus) as Patrick – Cast as the 'pretty guy.' - 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. (04:26):
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(12:51):
Eli Bourne handles cinematography, giving the film an intimate, isolated feel.

(13:15):
Companion shares similarities with films like The Menu and Triangle of Sadness.

(14:00):
Toxic relationships & power imbalances are the film's central theme.

(28:05):
Iris represents the struggles of real-world women who fight for autonomy.

(29:25):
Unlike many AI films that focus on 'Pinocchio syndrome,' Companion focuses on how people treat objects that can think and feel.

(30:51):
Josh gaslights and controls Iris, using his 'love' as a justification for ownership.

Eli & Patrick’s relationship (37:12):
Framed as genuine, but Eli has a kill switch for Patrick.

(39:38):
Kat manipulates Sergei for money, just as Josh uses Iris for companionship.

Josh’s downfall & the role of technology (45:12):
Josh’s death by an automatic corkscrew symbolizes his reliance on tech.

Final Thoughts & Ratings: - Dave (48:43):
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - 'One of the best AI movies in recent years.' - Michael

(01:14:40):
Companion is in limited theatrical release, so see it before it's gone.

(01:20:00):
What did you think of Companion? Let us know!