Jack Quaid, the talented son of actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, has carved his own niche in Hollywood, moving beyond his familial connections and proving he’s more than just another nepo-baby. His latest project, the film Companion, is generating significant buzz and marking what could be another successful role for the young actor.
Set to premiere on January 31, 2025, Companion combines elements of horror and science fiction, centered around Quaid's character Josh, who brings his robot companion Iris, played by Sophie Thatcher, on what should be a peaceful getaway with friends. Things take a dark turn when Iris discovers she’s been programmed to be Josh's ideal partner, leading her to break free from her constraints and retaliate against those who have wronged her.
The film seems to walk the fine line between horror clichés and thoughtful commentary, with many critics praising it for its unexpectedly rich narrative. Despite initial skepticism—January typically being viewed as one of the less favorable months for horror releases—Companion has opened to improved reception, currently boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%.
CBS's own Lex Briscuso hailed it as “an unapologetic and exciting parable,” drawing comparisons to contemporary media like Humans and discussing how it veers away from traditional horror tropes. The film promises not only to be exhilarating but also to probe deep themes surrounding the dynamics of human relationships and the juxtaposition of control.
Quaid expressed excitement about the nuances of his character, stating, “He’s definitely one of the most insecure people I’ve ever played.” He likened Josh’s struggles to those of his previous character, Richie from Scream, noting, “Just two insecure man babies, just sharing a pint.” Quaid elaborated on the differences between the two, emphasizing how Josh is portrayed as the antagonist, albeit one who is unaware of his villainous role.
Critics have noted Quaid's ability to showcase complex feelings through his performance, which centers on insecurity and flawed decision-making rather than typical heroic traits. This interpretation of how the antagonist can sometimes be the most human and relatable element of the story is what Quaid hopes will resonate with audiences.
Thatcher, too, praised the dynamics of the film, noting how the layers of lightness and darkness added complexity to her character’s evolution throughout the story. Reflecting on her role, she shared her excitement for the film and the chance it presented to explore something beyond typical roles.
On the practical side of filmmaking, Quaid faced unique challenges during production, particularly related to performance pressures and stunts. Speaking with Metro, he recounted how one specific stunt caused him considerable anxiety, leading him to abandon some sequences for his stunt double. “There’s a moment in the trailer where my hand gets caught as a car door closes on it,” he recalled, sharing how the scenario unsettled him more than anything else during filming.
He compared the situation to memorable TV moments, saying, “That stuff really gets me, because it’s more real world and it feels like it could actually happen.” This fear highlights the actor’s depth—drawing from personal anxiety to inform the portrayal of fear within the character.
Despite the film’s premise, the criticism turned to positive chatter surrounding its impact. Many industry watchers see Companion as breaking the stereotype of January horror films being lackluster. With its thematic depth and solid performances, it appears to open doors for both Quaid and his co-stars, bringing attention to the up-and-coming talent and the compelling vision of its director, Drew Hancock.
Looking forward, Companion could signify another step forward for Quaid, whose performances range from light-hearted to deeply complex—as showcased by his role as Josh. With positive reviews and anticipation building, audiences are eager to witness this thrilling exploration of relationships and technology.
For those intrigued by the blending of sci-fi and horror, or simply fans of Quaid’s work, Companion promises to deliver both shivers and thoughtful drama, challenging perceptions wrapped within its story of control and rebellion. With its release only days away, fingers crossed, the film lives up to its growing accolades, forging Quaid’s next significant success.