Companion: a twisted love story waiting to hit theatres on 31 January

Image: Warner bros

New Line Cinema, the studio behind The Notebook, and the creators of the unhinged Barbarian, invite audiences to experience Companion, a highly anticipated American science fiction psychological thriller. Written and directed by Drew Hancock, the film stars Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend.

Set for release on 31 January, 2025, Companion is poised to start the year off with a bang. The cryptic teaser trailer, released months ago, piqued viewers’ curiosity, and now, with the release of the official trailer, the plot has been revealed in greater detail. While initially set for a theatrical release on 10 January, 2025, the shift to a later release date aligns the film with successful thriller launches like Scream (2022) and M3GAN, making it a potential must-see for Valentine’s Day.

In Companion, Iris (played by Sophie Thatcher), a seemingly ordinary woman, meets the charming Josh (Jack Quaid) at a grocery store, leading to a weekend getaway at his estate. However, Iris soon uncovers a disturbing truth: she is a highly sophisticated human companionship doll, part of a devious plan orchestrated by Josh. As she fights for her freedom, she discovers that Josh can control her personality with an app on his phone, including adjusting her intelligence. When she manages to get her hands on his phone, the tables turn, setting off a thrilling battle for control.

Sophie Thatcher, best known for her role as the younger Natalie in Yellowjackets, has earned a reputation as a rising star in the horror genre. Jack Quaid, famous for his portrayal of Hughie in The Boys, takes on the role of the antagonist Josh, adding another complex character to his filmography.

Companion explores the growing concerns around artificial intelligence, blending psychological thriller elements with romance and dark humour. As viewers are warned to avoid spoilers and enjoy the film without too much foreknowledge, the anticipation for its release continues to build.