Female Film Critics 24/375
a seemingly happy couple, Iris and Josh, who go on a weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin. But things take a chaotic and bloody turn when it’s revealed Iris is a robot companion. Companion” touches on feminism, greed, loneliness, and hones in on how we should treat our significant others with respect, while taking audiences on an unpredictable and hilarious thrill ride. It’s an unexpected must-see that’s sure to capture your heart.
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Companion, written and directed by Drew Hancock, is an of the moment science fiction/horror/survival thriller/slasher/heist film commenting on the entitlement certain men believe they have over women’s mental, physical, and emotional autonomy. Iris the attainable ‘fembot’ – a term used in incel spaces – a woman contemporaneously desired and despised. A vision created in a space where toxicity and technology merge. Companion strikes at the heart, or another major artery, of misogyny employing a genre mash-up that’s rollicking, bloody, and prescient.
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I’m not a great fan of the horror genre but I’m a steadfast admirer of actor Hugh Grant’s decision to demonstrate his versatility by playing villains (Paddington 2, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves), rather than charmingly stumbling, bumbling romantic leads (Love Actually, Notting Hill, etc.). Heretic begins as two young missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – ardent, innocent Sister Paxton (Chloe East) and steadfast, stoic Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) – trudge through a Colorado ski town, trying – without success – to strike up conversations with passers-by about their faith.
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Hugh Grant is a one man creep show in the guise of a religious zealot in Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ horror thriller, Heretic. Grant goes to the dark side in Heretic as a man who doubts the validity of religion and the church itself. He’s part theology teacher, part psychopath, and chews up the scenery with every monologue. Heretic is more cerebral than slasher. It’s psychological blasphemy. A sinister Sunday School lesson with only a few requisite jump scares and some blood. The film pulls you in with it’s believable performances, originality, and just enough mystery to keep you interested.
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Smart, gritty-stylish indie sci-fi that is actually about ideas, and about building a future world that is authentic and lived-in. It has a really memorable teen-girl protagonist, too, who is badass but still a real kid. Upstart distributor Gunpowder & Sky is debuting its science-fiction label, Dust, with Prospect, and this is how you do it.
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