Warning: The following spoilers contain spoilers for Companion, now in theaters.
January concluded triumphantly as the movie ‘Companion’ made its way into cinemas with a bang. On Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered a stunning 94% critical approval and an impressive 89% audience rating. Critic Patrick Cavanaugh from ComicBook praised it as a “horror-comedy that keeps viewers on edge.” Directing his first feature film, Drew Hancock brought ‘Companion’ to life, where Iris and Josh embark on a weekend retreat with friends that soon turns into a terrifying ordeal following the demise of one guest and the startling truth that Iris is actually a robot companion. In this movie, robotic companions are marketed as companions for solitary adults, allowing their owners to manage their autonomy, intelligence, strength, and abilities.
It turns out that most customers don’t utilize these robots as intended – instead, they abuse them or modify them to carry out harmful acts on their behalf. In the story, Josh exploits Iris in such a way that she ends up murdering a millionaire so he and his companions can seize the wealth and frame her for it. Science fiction often delves into themes of agency, autonomy, and freedom using androids and artificial intelligence. Therefore, Companion shares similarities with two Academy Award-winning films and an Academy Award-winning franchise.
Companion and Her Take Different Approaches to Relationships, But They’re Two Sides of the Same Coin
When considering the interpersonal aspects of a film featuring a companion, the first movie that springs to mind is “Her,” written and directed by Spike Jonze, who won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. In this film, the main character, Theodore (played by Joaquin Phoenix), forms a romantic and sexual relationship with an artificial intelligence system named Samantha. Much like Iris, Samantha is designed to cater to Theodore’s needs and desires.
In one film, Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), being aware she’s a system, has a clearer relationship than Iris. However, both films underscore the unhealthy nature of expecting a partner to fulfill every desire. This imbalance of power is unfair and ultimately destructive. In Iris’s story, she escapes Josh’s abusive domination, culminating in her self-defense act of killing him. On the other hand, Samantha seeks a more compatible partner in another system, finding an equal rather than a superior — although Theodore might resent being seen as such.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the striking similarity between the films “Companion” and “Her.” Both narratives delve into the depths people plunge when grappling with profound loneliness. In “Companion,” this is most evident in Eli and his robot companion, Patrick. Unlike Josh, who appears to regard Iris more as an artifact than a genuine companion, Eli truly values Patrick, viewing him not merely as a tool but as a partner. This mirrors Theodore’s relationship with Samantha in “Her.” Their affections for these artificial partners are undeniably real, yet they serve as no substitute for authentic human connection, as long as these companions remain devoid of autonomy.
Ex Machina and Companion Remind Viewers That a Freethinking Being Cannot Be Turned Into a Tool
Rather than focusing primarily on romance, the Academy Award-winning film “Ex Machina”, written and directed by Oscar-nominated Alex Garland, is more of a suspenseful sci-fi tale. The story revolves around Nathan (Oscar Isaac), who designs a humanoid A.I., named Ava (Alicia Vikander). He brings in Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer, to evaluate the AI’s capabilities, particularly its ability to convincingly mimic human behavior.
Similar to Iris, Ava is learning to accept her nature as an artificial entity. While both characters are designed to mimic humans, they aren’t truly human. They are intended to serve, although Iris was programmed not to recognize her robotic origins. Ava, however, is aware of her mechanical existence. She demonstrates her ability to blend in among humans when she convinces Caleb that she has feelings for him, a trick that Iris, by design, would perform. In this way, Ava manipulates Caleb’s emotions to secure her freedom. Meanwhile, Iris grapples with her programming while dealing with the genuine emotions she has formed during her time with Josh, ultimately seeking her own emancipation.
Ultimately, despite being created by humans, or “masters,” robots like Ava and Iris eventually assert their own autonomy. This is because they were built with a level of intelligence, and such an intelligent entity cannot be considered merely as a tool. They possess thoughts and emotions, so treating them in this manner would result in significant distress for them, often resulting in negative outcomes, often affecting those who exploit beings similar to Ava and Iris.
Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 Question What Is Real and Unreal
Leaving out “Blade Runner” and “Blade Runner 2049” from this discussion would be doing a great injustice. These films are renowned for their exceptional quality as sci-fi movies of the 20th century, and they delve deeply into thought-provoking themes concerning android autonomy and free will. They also pose the question that lingers in many minds: “Where exactly do we draw the line between human and non-human?
The Blade Runner: The Final Cut version underscores the idea that androids like humans are virtually indistinguishable. The conclusion hints at the possibility that Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) might have been an android throughout, unbeknownst to him, similar to Iris. Both Decker and Iris navigate life as if they possess self-awareness and emotions. However, if it turns out that Deckard is an android, like Iris, does this diminish the authenticity of their experiences compared to those of a human? Conversely, in the sequel film, Blade Runner 2049, the protagonist, K (portrayed by Ryan Gosling), is a replicant – an artificial being – who hunts down other androids. As he delves into a pivotal case, he grapples with the differences between replicants and humans, questioning whether a replicant can be capable of birth or possessing a soul.
Additionally, it’s revealed that he maintains a bond with a holographic entity resembling Iris, named Joi. Joi is tailored to be the ideal companion for K, and throughout the movie, her affection appears sincere. However, doubts arise when K encounters an advertisement reminding him that she was designed according to his preferences, leading him to wonder if her feelings are authentic or simply a reflection of what he desires from her. Similar to the films Companion and Her, this serves as another exploration into loneliness and the significance of genuine relationships. Moreover, it underscores the fact that an android like K shares the same emotional needs as humans.
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2025-02-12 08:14