Stephen King Praises A.I. Thriller ‘Companion’

Horror legend Stephen King has given a glowing endorsement to Companion, the top horror movie streaming on Max. Directed by Drew Hancock and starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, this sci-fi horror-comedy has climbed to number one on Max’s U.S. charts, captivating audiences with its blend of thrills and laughs. King’s praise, combined with a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, makes Companion a must-watch. Here’s why this film is dominating Max and what fans can expect.

Stephen King’s Glowing Review

King, known for classics like The Shining and IT, shared his enthusiasm for Companion on Threads, originally watching it on Amazon Prime before its Max debut. “COMPANION: A totally fine horror/science fiction movie,” he wrote. “(Also pretty funny.) I wish I’d seen it in theaters, but watched it on Amazon Prime. His regret at missing the theatrical experience underscores the film’s big-screen energy, echoed by fans on X like @WhatUpLeezus, who gave it an 8.5/10, saying, “Didn’t expect it to be so good!!”.

What Is Companion About?

Companion, released January 31, 2025, follows a couple, Iris (Thatcher) and Josh (Quaid), on a weekend cabin getaway with friends, including Kat (Megan Suri), Eli (Harvey Guillén), and Sergey (Rupert Friend). The plot spirals when Iris is revealed as a companion robot from Empathix, jailbroken with aftermarket mods that unleash chaos, per Wikipedia. Hancock’s script, blending horror, sci-fi, and comedy, explores AI relationships and betrayal, with Iris’ quest for self-determination gripping viewers, as @SistaRuthDOPD noted on X: “A wild ride that kept me on the edge of my seat”. The film’s 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and B+ CinemaScore reflect its critical and audience acclaim.

Box Office and Streaming Success

With a $10 million budget, Companion grossed $36.7 million worldwide, a solid return despite a modest $9.3 million opening weekend, finishing second behind Dog Man, per Wikipedia. Its Max debut on April 18, 2025, propelled it to the top horror spot, per @StreamOnMax’s announcement. Critics like Chris Evangelista of /Film called it “the first great film of 2025,” praising Thatcher’s “depth of feeling” and the film’s originality. King’s endorsement, wishing he’d seen it in theaters, aligns with its 43% horror-driven audience, per exit polls.

Why It Stands Out

While not groundbreaking—drawing parallels to The Stepford Wives, per Roger Ebert—Companion resonates in an AI-driven era. Hancock’s shift from a “killer robot” draft to a comedic, Iris-centric story, per SlashFilm, adds humor and heart, with Quaid’s “hysterics” and Guillén’s “buoyancy” shining. Its “spoiler-proof” structure, revealing twists early like Knives Out, enhances rewatchability, per ScreenRant. X user @BriAnimator_ flagged its Max release, sparking buzz.

Context in Max’s May 2025 Lineup

Companion joins Max’s robust May 2025 slate, including Duster, Mountainhead, and Pee-wee as Himself, per Warner Bros. Discovery. Unlike A24’s The Brutalist (96% Rotten Tomatoes) or HBO’s 100 Foot Wave, Companion’s horror-comedy niche draws younger viewers (68% aged 18-34). While King praised other 2025 horrors like Strange Darling (“a clever masterpiece”), Companion’s streaming dominance mirrors his love for accessible genre hits, like Barbarian on Max in 2022.

Should You Watch Companion?

King’s stamp of approval, calling Companion “totally fine” and “pretty funny,” carries weight, especially given his horror expertise. Its 94% critical score, per GamesRadar+, and fan reactions on X (e.g., @SistaRuthDOPD’s “recommended” for its “strong violence”) make it a standout. If you’re craving a sci-fi thriller with sharp performances and timely AI themes, stream Companion on Max now. It’s a wild, spoiler-proof ride that might just make you wish you’d seen it on the big screen too.

What’s your take on Companion? Did it live up to King’s praise? Share below!