Director Drew Hancock recently opened up about why he believes The Boys star Jack Quaid and Yellowjackets star Sophie Thatcher were the perfect choices for his upcoming film Companion, a unique blend of romance and horror.
In an interview, Hancock shared insights into the casting process, the film’s unpredictable nature, and how Quaid and Thatcher’s performances bring it to life.
A Genre-Bending Experience
Set to hit theaters in the U.S. on January 10 and the U.K. on January 31, Companion isn’t your typical horror flick. In fact, Hancock describes it as a mix of six different genres, with horror not even being the primary one. “We’re promoting it as horror-ish, but in reality, it pulls from multiple genres,” he explained. “If I had to rank them, horror would probably be fourth or fifth on the list.”
The film follows a couple whose seemingly romantic dinner spirals into something much darker. The trailer teases a mounting sense of dread, featuring blood-soaked moments, bursts of violence, and a chilling voiceover from Thatcher’s character, hinting that the film has an emotional depth beyond just scares.
Why Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher Were Perfect for Companion
Hancock had nothing but praise for his lead actors, explaining that their performances add layers of complexity to the film’s eerie tone.
For Quaid, it’s all about contradiction. “He has this baby face, which makes him seem harmless,” Hancock said. “But when you contrast that with sudden bursts of aggression and anger, it makes everything feel so much more unsettling.” That contrast, he believes, is a key factor in making the film’s tension truly disturbing.
As for Thatcher, Hancock knew from the start that she was the only one for the role. “I can’t imagine anyone else playing this character,” he admitted. The casting process was competitive, with many talented actresses auditioning, but Thatcher’s performance was so gripping that Hancock’s heart was racing within the first five seconds of her audition. The thought of making the film without her seemed impossible.
A Breakup Story Unlike Any Other
While Hancock remained tight-lipped about specific plot details, he did reveal one key element: at its core, Companion is about a breakup. However, he warned that it’s far from a typical romance. The unexpected twists and unsettling moments make it something audiences won’t see coming.
He also shared an interesting anecdote about early test screenings. When the film was shown to two different focus groups, their reactions couldn’t have been more different. “Some people thought it was like cotton candy—light and sweet—because they had no idea what was coming,” Hancock said. “Then, when things took a turn, they were completely caught off guard.”
With its unconventional mix of genres and two powerhouse performances at the center, Companion is shaping up to be a film that defies expectations, leaving audiences questioning what they just watched long after the credits roll.