Companion offers a bold reimagining of the horror-thriller genre, blending pulse-pounding tension with a layered queer romance that stands as a rarity in modern cinema. Starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Harvey Guillén, and Lukas Gage, the film dares to challenge convention, offering not just jump-scares but an emotional core that gives the story weight and resonance.
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Gage, already celebrated for his breakout performances on TV shows like The White Lotus and You, leans fully into the horror genre and solidifies his status as a versatile actor who can command both intense and vulnerable roles. Guillén, known for his comedic brilliance on What We Do in the Shadows, brings a fresh dimension to his craft — stepping into a serious role that highlights his range while still infusing moments of levity that only he can deliver.
This isn't just another horror film — it's a layered exploration of love, fear, and the complexities of human connection, all wrapped in a story that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. With its mix of psychological depth and chilling suspense, Companion stands out as a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Guillén, known for his sharp comedic timing, revealed that humor was an essential tool for him, even in the darkest moments of the story. "I think I find humor in everything, especially in darkness," the actor said. "You have to make light of a situation or find the humor in it; otherwise, you can get down a rabbit hole real quick."
For Guillén, playing Eli, a wealthy and entitled young man grappling with love and self-acceptance, felt both natural and challenging. "I like the snarkiness that Eli had. He's a spoiled rich kid who has everything at his fingertips, yet the one thing he truly wants — love — he can't accept, not naturally. He has to outsource what that means to him," Guillén explained.
The What We Do in the Shadows star saw Eli's journey as a bittersweet commentary on loneliness, especially for queer men. "Even when he's hearing love directly from the love of his life — honest and pure — he still can't accept it. It's heartbreaking and says so much about society, loneliness, and self-love. The overall moral is that you have to love yourself first before you can love someone else."
Gage plays Patrick — Guillén's romantic counterpart — in the film and echoes these sentiments, highlighting how refreshing it was to portray a queer couple without leaning into the usual tropes.
"I think it was refreshing to not have the queer couple be the toxic couple of the movie," Gage said. "If anything, the most genuine, authentic love in the story was our relationship. There was so much tenderness, vulnerability, and heart—it felt real. A lot of people came up to me after watching the movie and said they were rooting for us, which was really nice to hear."
The duo also reflected on the significance of their representation within the genre, celebrating its departure from the overly polished depictions of queer couples often seen on screen. "It was nice to tell a story that didn't rely on the cookie-cutter, stereotypical idea of what a queer couple looks like," Guillén noted. "In real life, the queer community is beautifully diverse — we have different body types, different experiences — and it felt great to showcase that on screen."
Gage added, "It's meaningful when the love story feels authentic and doesn't lean on clichés. Our relationship in the film felt honest and compassionate, which is something I think a lot of people connected with."
Both actors seem to be carving a niche in the drama and horror genres, a space Gage feels particularly at home in.
"I grew up loving horror films and still do. There's nothing like the real-time reaction you get in a theater with people laughing, screaming, or jumping in their seats," Gage shared. He also credited actor Paul Dano as one of his inspirations in the space. "He's a little bit off, yet so talented. He's not stereotypical, and I really respect that."
Outside of acting, Gage's upcoming memoir, I Wrote This for Attention, has stirred excitement among his fans.
The collection of essays promises an honest exploration of his life's messier moments.
"Writing it felt like a confrontation with myself," Gage admitted. "I had to come to terms with some of the not-so-great parts of myself — like my mental health struggles and some of the decisions I've made. I talk about getting a borderline diagnosis and learning to love that chaotic 15-year-old in San Diego who was on probation and running around with an ankle bracelet. It's about having compassion for that person while making peace with the past."
The actors also shared personal lessons they've embraced over the years. For Gage, it's about seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
"Every breakup, every job I lost, every failure — it all pushed me in the right direction," he said. "I say goodbye to myself every night because I'm constantly evolving. The person I was when we filmed this movie isn't the same person I am now."
Guillén reflected on how life's timing often plays a pivotal role.
"When we filmed this, we were both in relationships, and we brought that love into the characters. It resonated because it was authentic to where we were at the time. Would it resonate the same way now? Maybe differently. Everything happens for a reason, and I take all the lessons life sends my way."
As Gage so aptly put it, "It's not a failure, it's an evolution." For these two actors, their journeys — both on and off-screen — are a testament to the power of growth, self-discovery, and the enduring human capacity for love.
Companion is now playing in theaters.
