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Today — 23 May 2025Entertainment News

If You Have to Watch 1 HBO and Max Movie in May 2025, Stream This 1 Now

23 May 2025 at 04:35

Artificial intelligence is all around us, and movies about artificial intelligence have been around even longer than the technology itself — going back as far as the 1927 film Metropolis. But as AI evolves, our storytelling about it changes, too. While you’re pursuing HBO and Max this month, Watch With Us recommends checking out Companion, a hilarious horror comedy that invites us to see things from an AI’s point of view.

Companion is about Iris (Sophie Thatcher, Yellowjackets), a young woman who is besotted with her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid, The Boys) but a bit nervous about going on vacation with his friends. A few minutes into the movie, however, Iris learns that she is a companion robot from a company called Empathix, programmed to love Josh. When Josh sets Iris up to take the fall for a crime he forced her to commit, Iris seeks a way to gain control over her own programming. It’s a story about betrayal, love and control — wrapped in a bloody, robot-filled package.

Here’s why you should stream this smart, scary and thought-provoking movie.

It’s Scary, but Not Too Scary

A man kisses the neck of a woman in Companion.
A man kisses the neck of a woman in ‘Companion.’ Warner Bros.

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I’m not a horror movie person. I don’t seek out blood and gore, I hate jump scares and I still think about “The Tethered” from Jordan Peele’s Us and get chills at random moments. Psychological horror freaks me out too — I don’t usually want to think about the dark depths of the human soul. Life is scary enough!

But now and then, a horror movie —usually a horror comedy — breaks through and makes me think more about what the story means than how grossed out I am. Companion is one of those movies. Despite my trepidation, I was encouraged to watch it by a friend, and I’m so glad I did.

There’s violence and gore, but Iris is such a compelling protagonist that I found myself focusing on her journey toward self-actualization instead of the number of people she stabbed (there are a few).

The comedic performances in Companion also soften the more violent moments. Quaid is hilariously loathsome as Josh, a stereotypical “nice guy” who seethes with entitlement. Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) and Lukas Gage (You, The White Lotus) are hilarious as another couple on the trip. (Their relationship dynamic is fascinating. I won’t spoil it by saying more.)

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Overall, the storytelling in Companion is strong enough to overpower the scariness — and coming from this writer, that’s saying something.

The AI Metaphor Is Multi-Layered

Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in 'Companion.'
Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in ‘Companion.’ Warner Bros. Pictures

Positioning Iris as the protagonist, and making her believe she’s human for the first few minutes, does something really interesting for the narrative — it frames her as the “real person” in the story and Josh as the malevolent force. Yes, Iris is a robot, but she’s also a woman, and the story serves as a metaphor for the way women are often diminished or even dehumanized in relationships.

Josh can control Iris’ level of intelligence via an app, modeling her to his exact preferences and specifications. Iris is so eager to please him that when she first learns the truth, she just wants to return to their happy relationship. “I can make you so, so happy,” she pleads.

Who among us hasn’t contorted themselves to try to be “perfect” for a significant other? Iris’ plight is eerily familiar to anyone who’s felt a partner pulling away and wondered if they could’ve been better. It’s a remarkably human sensation.

Iris also remembers having a perfect meet-cute with Josh, which is typically a hallmark of rom-coms like Notting Hill. This detail is a clever commentary on how pop culture romantic narratives shape many women’s identities and how easy it is to define oneself around a relationship.

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Her status as a robot provides rich metaphorical territory when it comes to how abusive men seek to control and manipulate women — while still considering themselves the hero of the story.

You Won’t See the Twists Coming

Iris’ status as a companion is a surprise to her, but it’s inherent to the movie’s premise, so it’s not exactly a surprise to the viewer. But the story is full of unexpected turns, many of which genuinely shocked me.

Though it didn’t get quite as much online hype as M3GAN, another viral AI movie that has a sequel coming at the end of June, Companion is a sharp, funny and ultimately moving story about a woman — or, fine, a machine — seeking autonomy in a world that wants to take it from her.

Watch Companion on HBO and Max.

© Warner Bros.

Prince William Reacts to Being Called 'Beautiful' Like Wife Kate Middleton

23 May 2025 at 04:30

Prince William knows his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, is stunning.

As William, 42, and Kate, 43, left their joint appearance at the naming of the HMS Glasgow ship on Thursday, May 22, a waiting fan called the Princess of Wales “beautiful.” Once the individual got a glimpse of William, they added, “You too!”

William, meanwhile, jokingly downplayed the compliment.

“You don’t have to say that,” the Prince of Wales quipped in social media footage as the couple walked toward their waiting car.

Prince William Says Kate Has 'Long Way to Go’ Despite Being Cancer Free

William and Kate made a joint appearance at Thursday’s naming ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, Scotland. Kate also brought the nautical vibes with her outfit, looking pristine in a navy-and-white dress with a matching fascinator. William, for his part, opted for a classic suit.

The outing comes amid Kate’s sponsorship of the HMS Glasgow, for which she was appointed in June 2021. The boat is a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate that can protect the U.K.’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. During their visit, William and Kate received a tour of the facilities and met with local employees.

William-and-Kate-inline-GettyImages-2215771372
Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the HMS Glasgow naming ceremony on Thursday, May 22. Andy Barr - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate has steadily been returning to official duties after navigating an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she wrote in a September 2024 statement, revealing that she completed her chemotherapy treatment. “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”

How Kate Middleton Is Managing Her 'Stress Levels' at Work After Chemo

Kate had battled cancer with her family, including William and their three children, by her side. During that time, she took a step back from her public duties. The duchess confirmed earlier this year that she was in remission.

“It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery,” she wrote in an Instagram statement in January. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”

© Andy Barr - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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