“SOULM8TE” follows a grieving engineer who programs a new AI companion into a truly sentient soulmate, unleashing a spree of precision-engineered mayhem after she develops needs of her own.
“SOULM8TE” immediately sheds light on the modern workforce with mergers and acquisitions, layoffs and return-to-office mandates. Oh, and of course… capitalism, with conglomerate company Ultima driving revenue by forming collaboration between all of their different technological products. It does this with a comedic undertone, not being strictly humorous but featuring deadpan delivery that gets the “corporate speak” across.
Once past the initial setup, the film moves fully into its central premise about an artificial intelligence companion. Another movie with a similar concept was just released in 2025, coincidentally titled “Companion.” While exploring the same ideas, the execution is different. Drew Hancock’s feature-length directorial debut flipped the script by making humanity the “bad guy” while offering sympathy for the tech. Co-writer and director Kate Dolan’s new entry attempts to be darker, delivering a more straightforward look at the potential dangers of unchecked AI.
Because it’s a spin-off in the “M3GAN” universe, however, “SOULM8TE” feels less relevant. Dolan and Rafael Jordan’s screenplay (based on a story by James Wan, Ingrid Bisu and Jordan) isn’t focused on thoughtful thematics, outside of saying “AI bad.”
Taking a more mainstream approach, the journey to get there features contrivances. Viewers will be required to suspend disbelief in many forms. On a basic level, it’s unrealistic that employees would be allowed to change fundamental coding in experimental tech from home. On top of this, the narrative takes several unearned logic leaps to create fabricated stakes for the sake of violence. It’s entertaining when blood is shed, but the “why?” behind it? There really isn’t any.
Unlike the PG-13-rated “M3GAN” movies, “SOULM8TE” is rated R. The film leans heavily into eroticism and graphic imagery: torn-off limbs, exploded genitalia and countless other killings. Horror fans will likely be satisfied, with the final act transforming into a full-blown slasher of sorts. With a 99-minute runtime, these differing tones blend into a consistent dose of entertainment — despite the lack of relevant commentary.
David Rysdahl (David) and Lily Sullivan (Sara) star. Rysdahl effectively portrays a quiet and cautious character, one who is overwhelmed by isolation and grief. While this performance is serviceable, his work is certainly overshadowed by Sullivan. Initially seductive and alluring, Sullivan gradually grows creepier by the minute. Even as the droid becomes a “killing machine,” she still finds that balance of charisma and menace. Also appearing are Claudia Doumit (Aubrey) and Arty Froushan (Ben).
“Don’t try that girl power sh-t with me.”
“SOULM8TE” doesn’t have much to say, but remains diverting B-movie fun through its combination of sex, silliness and sci-fi.
Rating: 3 out of 5
