In the film community, the month of January is known as “Dumpuary”. During Dumpuary, film studios release films they don’t think will perform well. Surprisingly, many of these films end up being fan favorites.
“Companion”, the latest Dumpuary release, hit theaters on Jan. 31, 2025. The horror/ sci-fi follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quiad) as they visit a cabin with a group of four other friends: Kat (Megan Suri), Patrick (Lukas Gage), Eli (Harvey Guillén) and billionaire cabin-owner Sergey (Rupert Friend).
What was supposed to be a fun weekend of relaxation quickly goes south when Sergey dies, setting off a truly shocking series of events with something unexpected around every corner.
The biggest piece of advice for viewers is to go into “Companion” blind. Avoid the trailer, avoid reading any spoilers — avoid it all. The less you know, the more shocking the film is and that’s the optimal viewing experience.
Although classified as a horror/ sci-fi, it’s important to note that “Companion” is not scary. There’s no real jumpscares or elements that would lead it to be a true horror, despite the trailer making it seem like such.
In reality, “Companion” is more of a comedy/ thriller/ sci-fi — perfectly blending the three genres together to create an exciting, engaging and memorable film.
If you’re thinking that comedy, thriller and sci-fi are interesting genres to combine — you would be right.
While it isn’t an orthodox combination, “Companion” works surprisingly well. The screenplay is well written and packed with laughs without compromising the anticipation and shock-factor of the story.
Although there is technology involved — being a sci-fi — the references don’t feel too in-your-face or overly cautionary. Instead, technology effortlessly works its way into our world — which is a relief when looking at other sci-fi/ horror releases that feel more obnoxious.
Additionally, the screenplay — written by director Drew Hancock — plays into each of the actors strengths.
“Companion”’s cast is what aids its success the most. The small cast helps the characters to have effortless comedic chemistry and to compliment each other on the screen. From laugh out loud moments to spine chilling sequences, the cast delivers incredibly enjoyable performances from beginning to end.
The best thing about this cast is that it’s composed of up-and-coming faces, rather than big stars. Although each actor has been a part of big projects, like Quaid’s role in “The Boys” and Thatcher’s leading role in “Heretic”, these are relatively new faces.
Hopefully, “Companion” opens doors for bigger opportunities in the future — because this cast exceeded all expectations.
Having only been cast in horror projects in the last few years, Thatcher is proving to be a studio and fan favorite choice for the genre. Her performance in “MaXXXine” alongside her leading roles in “Heretic”, “The Boogeyman”, the television series “Yellowjackets” and now “Companion” are all stellar.
According to IMDB, “Companion” is rated R for “strong violence, sexual content and language throughout.”
If you’re not a fan of gore, go into “Companion” cautiously. There are several graphic scenes and while they aid to the storyline and fit well, they may be too intense for some viewers.
But if you’re a fan of the bloody, then you’ll have a blast with this film. It doesn’t shy away from showing the gruesome aspects — and that’s part of what makes it so great.
All in all, “Companion” completely defies the Dumpuary standard. It’s fun, fresh and full of new faces — and it’s already doing great in the box office. As of Feb. 2, 2025, “Companion” has made $9.5 million domestically and $15 million worldwide in its opening weekend, already surpassing its $10 million budget.
This is especially impressive when you consider that “Companion” is writer-director Drew Hancock’s first ever feature film. If this is the type of work Hancock has in store, then he will have a following in no time.
Whether your plans this February are for Valentine’s or Galentine’s — make you add “Companion” to your plans. It’s a killer love story you won’t want to miss. See “Companion”, in theaters now.
