COMPANION

What works well for 'Companion' is that it deliberately begins by playing nicely into romance stereotypes. We've definitely all seen these clichés before - the I-would-do-anything-for-love voiceover, the embarrassing supermarket meet cute, the couple's first trip away together. This sets the audience at ease, and establishes the film's tone early on, particularly for the kind of comedy that will be used.

It also immediately brings to light the talent that Sophie Thatcher has to offer. From the very first moment she's undoubtedly the core (pun intended) of this film, offering marvellous contrast to the role. She's anything but robotic - Thatcher engulfs the character as she walks the line between human and machine. We can't help but empathise with her, despite many of her actions.

Constant scene-stealer Harvey Guillén (TV's 'What We Do In The Shadows', 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish') also fares well as one-half of the gay couple, largely for his effervescent personality but also because he claims the lion's share of the comedic moments. His other half, Lukas Gage (TV's 'The White Lotus' and 'Euphoria') ends up with a prime role, but it's in the quieter and more intimate moments that he does his best work.

Faring less fortunately is Jack Quaid. He ends up with a fairly flat boyfriend character without a lot of meat on his bones, and while he has plenty to do throughout, never feels like he has a real motivation for some pretty extreme actions. Similarly, Megan Suri (TV's 'Never Have I Ever' and 'Atypical') as friend Kat is just angry - so angry - for no real reason the entire time. Rounding off the main cast is Rupert Friend as Russian billionaire Sergey, but why we have a Brit playing a Russian (and very poorly) is beyond me.

There's a lot to enjoy about 'Companion' as a film; at a tight 97 minutes, it never overstays its welcome. Moving along at a healthy speed, it's unlikely you'll find yourself feeling bored during this movie. It introduces new ideas and leaps between scenarios without a moment's hesitation, and isn't afraid to throw in a twist or two to keep things spicy. Its messaging about control within relationships, while heavy-handed here, is consistently necessary.

However, and particularly in regard to the last point, there's nothing particularly unique or original on the topic to be found here. Within the robotic sub-genre, 'Ex Machina' covered this much better 10 years ago. It could also be said it doesn't have the potency of the likes of 'Promising Young Woman' because this is both written and directed by Drew Hancock (writer of TV's 'My Dead Ex' and 'Suburgatory'), and that's possibly why it's not as subtly or adeptly handled as it could be. However, the fact that we have an entertaining movie in a genre people - particularly younger people - are still going to cinemas to see means this topic is getting some of the attention it needs.

With your typical Hollywood cinema fare, I find myself much more inclined to check my watch to see what time it is part-way through. It's therefore refreshing to see a film like 'Companion' - it might not be perfect, but it's thoroughly enjoyable. For those who enjoy the odd twist or a bit of blood and gore, you're likely to be all the more appreciative. Go in with low expectations and you'll be well rewarded.