‘Company’ Review: Casey Affleck’s Second Film as Director Loses Its Way in a Genre Game

“Company” follows a mysterious stranger who enters a household and eerily holds its occupants’ attention. The story is repeated across three different eras, gradually revealing the film’s genre construction.

Casey Affleck wrote and directed the film but does not appear on screen. He gives the demanding lead role to his teenage son, Atticus.

The genre arrives late

For more than an hour, the film offers little indication of what kind of story it intends to be. Its stories-within-stories structure produces diminishing returns, while the eventual twist is described as ludicrous and fails to create greater urgency.

Affleck approaches the material with earnest seriousness, but that tone does not overcome the slow pacing. The change in perspective after the twist does not give the film a stronger sense of momentum.

Compared with Affleck’s debut

“Company” is Affleck’s second feature as a director, following the 2019 post-apocalyptic drama “Light of My Life.” The review considers the new film less assured than his debut.

Overall, the film emerges as a difficult genre proposition: its premise remains concealed for an extended period, while the conclusion provides little payoff.