COMPANION

Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid star as loved-up couple Iris and Josh. They head to a remote cabin for a weekend with four friends, where it’s revealed that Iris is an android robot rented by Josh for companionship. When Josh tries to add a behaviour modification update to her software, Iris experiences a malfunction and goes haywire, leading to a struggle for survival among the group. There are several unexpected twists and turns, maintaining a high level of tension from beginning to end. Thatcher excels in her role as the bewildered Iris, while Quaid convincingly fluctuates from caring boyfriend to domineering master. A theme of the film is the ethical implications surrounding purpose-built robots, particularly in relation to their autonomy and the treatment they receive. Chilling, unconventional and full of surprises.