Companion, starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, is now playing in theaters, and we'd argue that it's the best horror movie of the year so far. Forget Wolf Man, which failed to impress and left audiences underwhelmed. Companion is the real deal, offering relentless tension, unexpected twists, and standout performances. This isn't a movie you want to skip out on, as it keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Though the premise begins simply with a couple heading to a millionaire’s lakehouse for a weekend getaway with friends, things quickly take a dark turn and spiral into chaos when said millionaire is killed. The movie only escalates from there, and twist after twist is thrown at the audience, leaving them stunned and on edge. Thatcher and Quaid lead the cast as the couple, with Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend, and others rounding out the ensemble.
After watching this film, you'll likely be craving more movies that bring the same intense thrills. Lucky for you, we put together a little list of four horror films that will keep the suspense high and the tension building. Check out our list below!
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
- Director: Halina Reijn
- Writer: Sarah DeLappe
- Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, Pete Davidson
- Where to watch: Tubi for free
Bodies Bodies Bodies centers around a group of friends who decide to get together and throw a small, intimate party at a remote mansion during a storm. What starts as a fun night of drinking and dancing quickly turns deadly when a party game leads to one of the guests being discovered dead. As paranoia sets in and suspicions rise, the friend group begins to turn on each other, with each person trying to figure out who the killer is while questioning who they can trust.
Heretic (2024)
- Directors and writers: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
- Cast: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
- Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on digital retailers
Thatcher delivered an outstanding performance in Companion, but you might have overlooked her impressive role in last year’s horror film Heretic. The movie follows two Mormon missionaries as they go door-to-door, trying to convert people to their faith. However, things take a terrifying turn when they accept an invitation into the home of a man who turns out to be far more dangerous than they could have imagined.
Scream (2022)
- Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
- Writers: James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick
- Cast: Melissa Barrera, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell
- Where to watch: Netflix, Paramount+
If you liked Quaid's portrayal of a deceitful character in Companion, you'll enjoy his performance in Scream. His characters in both films are similar in that they both have hidden agendas and use their charm and manipulation to deceive others. The slasher revolves around a group of teens who become the targets of a new Ghostface killer, with the mysterious murderer stalking them one by one.
Ready or Not (2019)
- Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
- Writers: Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy
- Cast: Samara Weaving, Adam Brody, Mark O'Brien, Elyse Levesque, Nicky Guadagni, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell
- Where to watch: Hulu
What makes Companion and Ready or Not similar is that both center around a character fighting to survive in dangerous, intense situations. In Ready or Not, a young newlywed is unexpectedly thrust into a deadly game of hide-and-seek with her new in-laws, where the consequences are life-threatening. In order to stay alive, she must use her wits and determination.