COMPANION, US, 20250. Starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillen, Rupert Friend. Directed by Drew Hancock. 97 minutes. Rated M (Strong themes, violence and coarse language).
At the end of watching Companion, this reviewer was very happy to have had no knowledge at all of what the film was about or what it was like. And, checking on the number of reviews as well as strong opinions from bloggers, most were pleased that they went in to see Companion cold and found it an engrossing and unexpected experience.
Which, possibly, is where a review of Companion should end. But, it is probably fair to say that in the first few minutes, we are introduced to an interesting character, Iris (Thatcher – Heretic, Yellowjackets) in a supermarket romantic comic episode involving the collapsing of the oranges shelf, then a startling remark by Iris, the introduction of the tall handsome Josh (Quaid). Then, off we go . . .
Thatcher is very effective in keeping pace with the various facets of her character. One all the best aspects of Companion is that we do not know where the film is leading. And, there are quite a number of surprises in the screenplay, some misleading, some turns, some twists as the plot unrolls and unravels. And, we are not really sure until the final credits.
There are some good roles from the supporting cast, especially Gage and Guillen, sometimes comic, sometimes serious, and nasty Russian businessmen played by Friend in heavy moustachioed disguise. In fact, there is quite a lot to think about as we watch Companion.
And compliments to writer-director Hancock, who keeps control of his screenplay as well as of the responses of the audience.
Universal
Released 30 January