Companion (2025) Review: Setting The Standard for Nerd Horror
by Justine Norton-Kertson and Hal Hefner
—————————————————————————————————————————————-
Horror and science fiction have long shared a symbiotic relationship, but only a select few films manage to strike the perfect balance between cerebral tension and visceral terror. Companion (2025) achieves this feat with remarkable precision, crafting an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is chilling. Directed by Drew Hancock and featuring a stellar ensemble cast, Companion not only cements itself as one of the most socially relevant horror films of our time but also solidifies its place as a defining work of "nerd horror"—a subgenre where intelligence, curiosity, and technological hubris drive the terror as much as the supernatural or monstrous elements.
From the moment the film begins, Companion wastes no time immersing the audience in its eerie, high-tech dystopia. The cinematography is sleek and unsettling, striking a delicate balance between futuristic aesthetics and an ever-present sense of unease. It’s a film that understands how to use its visual language to enhance the creeping dread, making even the most sterile environments feel claustrophobic and menacing. The color palette shifts subtly with the emotional beats of the story, and the sound design is razor-sharp, allowing silence to be just as terrifying as the film’s most intense moments.
While not a “horror-comedy” film, one of the most impressive aspects of Companion is its ability to weave humor into its horror framework. The comedy isn’t just there to provide levity—it’s an essential part of the film’s structure. By allowing moments of genuine laughter, the movie builds a false sense of security, making its scares all the more effective when they strike. It’s a technique reminiscent of the best horror-comedies, but here, it feels especially deliberate, as if the film is constantly reminding us that the absurdity of our technological ambition is what leads to our downfall. Jack Quaid, in particular, shines in this dynamic, using his signature wit to propel the film’s narrative while also setting the stage for some of its most harrowing moments. His performance underscores an essential theme of the film: intelligence is not always a saving grace, and sometimes, our own cleverness is what damns us.
Speaking of performances, Companion boasts an ensemble that elevates the film beyond standard genre fare. Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) continues her ascent as a modern horror icon, delivering a performance that is both emotionally raw and physically demanding. She proves once again that she’s one of the most compelling actors working in the genre today, bringing depth and authenticity to her role. Meanwhile, Harvey Guillén, best known to horror fans for his hilarious yet heartfelt portrayal of Guillermo in What We Do in the Shadows, brings his unique energy to the film, further solidifying his status as a nerd horror favorite. Seeing him in a project like this is an absolute delight, and his presence adds an extra layer of charm to an already strong cast.
Perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises of the film is Lukas Gage, who finally gets the bigger role we believe he deserves. His performance is nuanced and powerful, perfectly encapsulating the film’s themes of human fallibility and the unintended consequences of technological ambition. His arc is both engaging and tragic, resonating on a deeply personal level while also serving as a commentary on our current trajectory in an era of artificial intelligence and self-driving automation. His character, like the film itself, wrestles with the fundamental questions of human existence: What does it mean to love? To hate? To seek happiness? And at what cost do we chase these desires? These aren’t new questions, but Companion presents them in a way that feels urgent and prescient, ensuring that the film will remain a classic that only grows more relevant with time.
One of the defining qualities of Companion is its masterful handling of character flaws. Each character is deeply flawed in a way that directly impacts their fate, making the film feel like a modern morality tale wrapped in sci-fi horror trappings. This isn’t a story where random chance determines who lives and who dies—rather, the characters’ own decisions, biases, and shortcomings shape their destinies. This level of narrative craftsmanship is what sets Companion apart from many of its contemporaries. It understands that true horror doesn’t just come from external threats; it comes from within, from the aspects of ourselves that we refuse to confront until it’s too late.
What makes Companion a crowning achievement of nerd horror is how it fully embraces the genre’s core ethos: it’s a film made for people who love to think about the mechanics of horror. It doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or shallow jump scares (though we love that stuff too when done right). Instead, it builds its terror through intellectual curiosity, exploring the ramifications of our technological advancements and the hubris that often accompanies them. It’s a movie that invites discussion, analysis, and debate—exactly the kind of film that thrives in the nerd horror community. Whether it’s breaking down the ethical implications of its AI-driven premise or dissecting the meticulously crafted suspense sequences, Companion provides endless material for horror and sci-fi aficionados to sink their teeth into while also just being an excellent horror film for the casual movie watcher.
Thematically, the film taps into one of the most pressing fears of our modern era: the consequences of handing over too much control to technology. As we continue to integrate AI into every facet of our lives, Companion serves as both a cautionary tale and a mirror reflecting our current anxieties. Yet, rather than simply painting technology as an outright villain, the film challenges us to consider our own complicity. The true horror isn’t just what the machines do—it’s what we allow them to do, the ethical corners we cut, and the rationalizations we make along the way.
In the end, Companion is more than just a great sci-fi horror film—it’s a benchmark for what nerd horror should aspire to be in 2025. It’s intelligent without being pretentious, terrifying without being nihilistic, and deeply relevant without being preachy. With its smart script, exceptional performances, and masterful blend of horror and humor, it sets a new standard for the genre. This is a film that will be discussed and dissected for years to come, a film that doesn’t just entertain but also challenges and provokes.
Companion is an absolute must-watch. It’s a film that understands its audience, respects their intelligence, and delivers an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. A classic in the making, Companion is the kind of movie that reminds us why we love horror in the first place: not just for the scares, but for the ideas that haunt us long after the lights come back on.
