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.
- 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
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.
- 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 cinematography, giving the film an intimate, isolated feel.
- Michael praises the film's pacing and editing, crediting Josh Ether for helping keep the story sharp.
- The location scouting is excellent, contributing to the film's eerie atmosphere.
00:13:15 - The "Eat the Rich" Subgenre Comparison
- Companion shares *similarities with films like The Menu and Triangle of Sadness.
- Though not a direct critique of wealth, the film hints at class and power dynamics.
00:14:00 - January as a "Dumping Ground" for Movies
- Companion was released in early 2024, a time studios often use to release movies they're unsure how to market.
- Despite this, the film is better than most January releases and deserves more recognition.
Themes & Analysis
00:28:05 - Toxic Relationships & Power Imbalances
- Core theme: How control, manipulation, and exploitation manifest in relationships—both human and AI.
- Companion raises questions about agency and autonomy, especially in imbalanced relationships.
00:29:25 - Gender & Objectification
- Iris represents the struggles of real-world women who fight for autonomy in male-dominated spaces.
- Historically, women were seen as property—a dynamic mirrored in Iris's role as a "companion."
00:30:51 - The Film's Unique Take on AI Representation
- Unlike many AI films that focus on "Pinocchio syndrome" (wanting to be real), Companion focuses on how people treat objects that can think and feel.
- Dave argues that the film doesn't necessarily "humanize" Iris, but Michael strongly disagrees, saying she's treated as an individual from the start.
00:37:12 - The Relationship Between Josh & Iris
- A perfect example of a toxic relationship.
- Josh gaslights and controls Iris, using his "love" as a justification for ownership.
- Parallels to real-life relationships where one partner holds all the power.
00:39:38 - Eli & Patrick: Love or Control?
- Eli & Patrick's relationship is framed as genuine, but Eli literally has a kill switch for Patrick.
- Raises the question: Can there ever be real love when there's an extreme power imbalance?
00:45:12 - Kat: A Different Kind of User
- Kat manipulates Sergei for money, just as Josh uses Iris for companionship.
- Unlike Josh, Kat is honest about her self-serving nature—making her an interesting contrast.
- Her conversation with Iris about feeling "disposable" adds emotional depth to her character.
00:48:43 - Josh's Downfall & The Role of Technology
- Josh's death by an automatic corkscrew is a symbol of his reliance on technology and the loss of control he thought he had.
- Technology and control are central themes—whether AI, smart devices, or old-school CD players.
Verdict & Ratings
01:14:40 - Final Thoughts & Scores
- Dave: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - "One of the best AI movies in recent years."
- Michael: ⭐⭐⭐½ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 - 4/5) - "Great performances, strong pacing, and an excellent directorial debut."
01:20:00 - Why You Should See Companion
- Companion is in limited theatrical release, so see it before it's gone!
- Despite marketing challenges, it's one of the best films of early 2024.
Closing Notes & Where to Watch
- Companion is currently in wide release but may leave theaters soon.
- Mindframes encourages listeners to share their thoughts via email.
📢 What did you think of Companion? Let us know!
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