{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 87: Companion","description":"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 Guill\u00e9n (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\u2019s format. Michael reveals the movie they\u2019re 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 \u2013 A standout performance. Jack Quaid (The Boys) as Josh \u2013 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 \u2013 Cast as the \u201cpretty guy.\u201d Megan Suri (It Lives Inside, Never Have I Ever) as Kat \u2013 A complex role. Harvey Guill\u00e9n (What We Do in the Shadows) as Eli \u2013 Comedic powerhouse, but hard not to see him as Guillermo. Rupert Friend (The Death of Stalin, Homeland) as Sergei \u2013 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\u2019s pacing and editing, crediting Josh Ether for helping keep the story sharp. The location scouting is excellent, contributing to the film\u2019s eerie atmosphere. 00:13:15 - The \u201cEat the Rich\u201d 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 \u201cDumping Ground\u201d for Movies Companion was released in early 2024, a time studios often use to release movies they\u2019re 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\u2014both 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\u2014a dynamic mirrored in Iris\u2019s role as a \u201ccompanion.\u201d 00:30:51 - The Film\u2019s Unique Take on AI Representation Unlike many AI films that focus on \u201cPinocchio syndrome\u201d (wanting to be real), Companion focuses on how people treat objects that can think and feel. Dave argues that the film doesn\u2019t necessarily \u201chumanize\u201d Iris, but Michael strongly disagrees, saying she\u2019s 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 \u201clove\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2014making her an interesting contrast. Her conversation with Iris about feeling \u201cdisposable\u201d adds emotional depth to her character. 00:48:43 - Josh\u2019s Downfall & The Role of Technology Josh\u2019s 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\u2014whether AI, smart devices, or old-school CD players. Verdict & Ratings 01:14:40 - Final Thoughts & Scores Dave: \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 (4\/5) - \u201cOne of the best AI movies in recent years.\u201d Michael: \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u00bd - \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 (3.5 - 4\/5) - \u201cGreat performances, strong pacing, and an excellent directorial debut.\u201d 01:20:00 - Why You Should See Companion Companion is in limited theatrical release, so see it before it\u2019s gone! Despite marketing challenges, it\u2019s 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. \ud83d\udce2 What did you think of Companion? Let us know! \ud83d\udce7 Email us with your thoughts! ","author_name":"Mindframe(s)","author_url":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mindframesmovies","html":"