Director Drew Hancock Discusses Robots, Romantic Entanglements, and Suspenseful Science Fiction Tales
In the glossy sheen of "Companion", you're introduced to a charming encounter between a typical guy and his ideal girlfriend. Josh (Jack Quaid) and Iris (Sophie Thatcher) appear to be the dream rom-com duo: the lovable fool and the stunning, out-of-his-league beauty who can't live without him. What sets them apart? Iris, it turns out, is a robot, custom-made to cater to Josh's every need.
io9 sat down with filmmaker Drew Hancock to delve into the inspiration behind his twist on the "Stepford Wives"-esque, AI-infused romantic thriller. The film isn't a critique of AI, per se, but a commentary on how we use it to turn people into possessions.
Hancock emphasized the importance of making Iris relatable. He explained, "I'm not necessarily thinking about her as a robot. I'm thinking about her emotional journey, how it's relatable to people watching it." Thatcher's rendition of Iris, with traces of Zooey Deschanel's "500 Days of Summer" charm, perfectly encapsulates this duality. She exhibits both the manic pixie dream girl vibe and a more detached emotional core, reminiscent of a robotic shell.
In "Companion," the technical aspects of Iris serve as a chilling reminder of real-life individuals who have felt like objects. The story isn't a stern warning, but a playful exploration of how AI might be used, and where the line between healthy and unhealthy relationships could be drawn in a future where AI companions are common.
Quaid brings a delightful mix of awkward adoration and ugly spite to his role, while Thatcher delivers a heartbreaking portrayal of a robot grappling with her own humanity. Together, they create a truly memorable performance. Thatcher's Iris eventually reaches her breaking point, demonstrating that even robots can't endure mistreatment forever.
"Companion" offers a unique blend of genres, seamlessly blending romance, satire, and thriller elements. Hancock, a fan of genre films, decided to take a shot at combining elements that appealed to him, resulting in an entertainingly eclectic mix.
The film opens on January 31, 2023, offering viewers a chance to ponder on the intersection of technology and personal relationships.
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[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrybates/2021/05/17/the-rise-of-the-ai-boyfriend-or-girlfriend-and-the-problem-with-the-promises-of-artificial-intelligence/?sh=6a1815ba7a95[2] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/feb/21/james-delorithe-stealth-morality-of-the-ai-apocalypse[3] https://www.newyorker.com/technology/annals-of-technology/the-sex-bots-are-almost-here[4] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200731-why-womans-work-still-doesnt-get-the-credit-it-deserves[5] https://www.aai.org/ai-guide/tools-techniques/part-16-building-bots-that-can-talk-with-humans-naturally/
io9 also explores how the portrayal of AI in 'Companion' resonates with real-world concerns about objectification and possession in technology. The use of AI in relationships is a topic of interest, as discussed in this Forbes article [1].
As 'Companion' delves into the horizon of AI-driven relationships, it raises questions about human emotions and how they intersect with technology, a theme also explored in James Delory's book 'The Stealth Morality of the AI Apocalypse' [2].
