In 2025, Jack Quaid captivated audiences with his performance in the horror film Companion. If you found this movie intriguing, you’re in for a treat as a new horror film, Soulm8te, is set to release almost one year later. The horror genre has experienced a resurgence recently, characterized by a wave of adaptations, sequels, and reboots alongside compelling original narratives. One notable trend within the genre focuses on themes of artificial intelligence, robots, and androids, which have become increasingly prevalent as filmmakers explore the implications of technology in our lives.
While many AI-themed films have struck a chord with both critics and moviegoers—such as M3GAN—others, like Subservience, have not fared as well. Companion, penned and directed by Drew Hancock, stands among the successful entries, featuring Quaid as Josh, a young man who embarks on a weekend getaway to a remote lake house with his girlfriend, Iris (Sophie Thatcher), who happens to be a companion robot. The film was met with favorable critical acclaim, earning a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89% audience rating, highlighting its positive reception.
The Premise of Soulm8te Mirrors Jack Quaid’s Companion
Shared Themes Between Companion and Soulm8te
The narrative of Companion reveals Iris as an android early on, showcasing how Josh coerces her through manipulation. However, unbeknownst to him, Iris possesses a level of intelligence that ultimately turns the tables. The film’s chilling exploration of their relationship adds depth to its horror elements. Although Companion currently has no announced sequel, fans of the genre can look forward to Soulm8te, which shares similar plot dynamics.
Soulm8te, directed by Kate Dolan, delves into the life of a man who, grappling with the loss of his wife, turns to an AI android for companionship. As he seeks to transform this android into a sentient partner, he inadvertently nurtures a dangerously obsessive love from her. The chilling first footage from Soulm8te, unveiled at CinemaCon 2025, depicted the android performing domestic tasks and expressing love, escalating to a menacing climax where she threatens anyone who attempts to get too close to her owner.
As the android’s possessiveness intensifies, the protagonist’s girlfriend finds herself in a perilous predicament, culminating in a shocking attempt to drown her. While both films center on the concept of companion androids, Soulm8te intensifies this theme, portraying a relationship twisted by obsession, contrasting with the more complex dynamics presented in Companion.
Are Companion and Soulm8te Connected?
Do They Belong to the Same Universe of Companion Robots?
Although Companion and Soulm8te share thematic similarities, they are not directly connected. However, Soulm8te is reported to be a spinoff of the hit film M3GAN, leading to speculation about a potential shared universe exploring the darker side of advanced technology. Given the boundaries pushed in M3GAN, it isn’t surprising that a companion robot designed for emotional support could present dangers in a different narrative context. As the release of Soulm8te approaches on January 2, 2026, audiences are eager to discover how it will expand upon the themes established in both Companion and the M3GAN universe.