Unveiling ‘Companion’: In-Depth Movie Review by Valdosta Daily Times

Movie Review: “Companion”

Published: February 17, 2025

By Adann-Kennn Alexxandar

“Companion”

(Genre: Science-Fiction/Thriller, Duration: 1 hour, 37 minutes)

Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage

Director: Drew Hancock

Rating: R (Strong violence, sexual content, strong language)

“Companion” is a refreshing surprise in the world of film. This science-fiction thriller from Drew Hancock is both smart and darkly humorous. It’s packed with twists that keep you guessing. The trailers do a great job of teasing the story without spoiling it, leaving viewers curious.

The film follows Iris, portrayed by Sophie Thatcher, who takes a trip with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) to a remote summer house owned by a Russian oligarch. Joined by friends Kat, Eli, and Patrick, things take a chilling turn when a murder occurs. This sets off a series of events that escalate the tension and unease.

One of the standout features of the script is how it keeps introducing new elements. Just when you think you know what’s happening, something unexpected occurs. The plot weaves in themes of artificial intelligence in a suspenseful and thought-provoking manner, ensuring that viewers stay engaged.

The cast delivers strong performances that add depth to their characters. Their interactions make them relatable, even when their motives are questionable. The dialogue sparkles, especially in conversations about relationships, enhancing the film’s appeal. “Companion” is definitely a movie best enjoyed with someone special.

Grade: B+ (A thrilling ride that keeps you on your toes.)

“Valiant One”

(Genre: Action/Thriller, Duration: 1 hour, 26 minutes)

Cast: Chase Stokes, Lana Condor, Desmin Borges

Director: Steve Barnett

Rating: R (Violence, language)

“Valiant One” presents a gripping military survival story, filled with non-stop action. After a helicopter crash in North Korea, Sergeant Edward Brockman—a tech specialist—is thrust into a leadership role amid chaos. Though he’s not cut out for the battlefield, he must rally his team to navigate perilous situations.

What sets this film apart is its focus on character development. While there’s plenty of action, the story takes a moment to delve deeper into the lives of those in uniform, allowing the audience to connect with them emotionally. This makes the movie more relatable when the combat scenes kick in, though the plot may feel familiar at times.

Grade: B- (A solid mission with room for improvement.)

“Dog Man”

(Genre: Animation, Duration: 1 hour, 29 minutes)

Cast: Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher

Director: Peter Hastings

Rating: PG (Action/violence and rude humor)

“Dog Man” is an animated film inspired by Dav Pilkey’s children’s books. It’s imaginative and entertaining, even if the plot feels disjointed with various subplots. The story features Petey the Cat, a mischievous villain causing chaos in OK City, and Dog Man—a quirky hero created by an unexpected twist.

While delightful moments shine through, the narrative struggles with too many storylines jumbled together, leading to a lack of focus. The action often goes overboard, straying into absurdity, which may leave younger viewers a bit lost.

Grade: C (A fun adventure, but not a standout.)