Another year, another movie about machines going haywire. It’s a concept we’ve seen before, especially with 2022’s Megan promising a wild ride but delivering only a watered-down version of the chaos we expected. On paper, Megan looked like a thrilling exploration of AI gone wrong, but in reality, it felt somber, leaving much to be desired. So naturally, when another film with a similar plot, Companion, hit the scene, I approached it with tempered expectations. However, Companion turned out to be exactly what Megan should have been—an unapologetic, batshit-crazy ride, but executed in all the right ways.

While the plot of Companion doesn’t exactly break new ground, it’s the execution that sets it apart. The movie follows a familiar premise of technology turning against the people it’s made to serve, but the real magic comes from the ferocity of its storytelling and the sheer intensity of its performances. Sophie Thatcher, already well-known in the horror genre, takes center stage with a performance that’s as electric as it is unpredictable. Paired with Jack Quaid, the two elevate what could have been a generic thriller into a thrilling, high-stakes adventure of pure horror.

Unlike Megan, which restrained itself with somber moments and muted gore, Companion dives headfirst into the chaos, fully embracing its violent, gory moments. The film doesn’t hold back, offering a non-stop barrage of shocking twists, bloody confrontations, and enough adrenaline-pumping moments to keep you on the edge of your seat. Thatcher’s performance echoes the same unhinged energy that Naomi Scott brought to Smile 2 last year.

What Companion does so well is give us what we expected from Megan—and so much more. It’s everything Megan could have been, but didn’t quite live up to. If I were to sum it up in a few words, I’d call Companion Megan on steroids—a film that doesn’t hesitate to take risks and embrace the madness. It knows exactly what it is—chaotic, over-the-top, and unapologetically bloody—and it owns every second of it. If you’re a horror fan looking for something that delivers on its promises, Companion is definitely a film to watch.

P.S. My Letterboxd handle is @BhumikGrover.