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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. 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. 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 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! 📧 Email us with your thoughts!
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