Megan Suri on ‘Companion,’ Horror’s Powerful Women, and Finding Strength in Authenticity

Megan Suri is having a moment. After her breakout role in It Lives Inside, the Indian-American actress continues to carve a unique path in Hollywood, choosing projects that challenge expectations and showcase her range. Her latest film, Companion, is yet another step in that direction — an original sci-fi horror film that defies genre norms and places Suri in a role unlike any she’s played before.

In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Suri is candid, self-deprecating, and refreshingly introspective. She discusses everything from her love of Bollywood to her complicated relationship with social media, all while dealing with a frustratingly glitchy Wi-Fi connection that turns the interview into a testament to the very theme of her film — the uneasy relationship between technology and human connection.

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Directed by Drew Hancock and produced by BoulderLight Pictures, Companion represented not only an exciting creative opportunity, but also a chance to step into a genre Suri has long admired.

Excerpts from a conversation:

What it was about Companion that most excited you?

Oh man, where do I start? I was a huge fan of Barbarian, which BoulderLight Pictures produced, and they’re one of our producers on this movie. Getting to work with this cast was a dream — one I truly didn’t think I would get the chance to be a part of.

I have a tendency to write myself out of conversations before they’ve even taken place. I don’t know why I do that. I’m hoping I can change that this year.

Also, I’ve always wanted to be a part of this genre. In a world where we’re seeing a lot of remakes and sequels, it’s personally really exciting for me to delve into a story that’s completely fresh and original. And to get to work with a first-time writer-director like Drew was truly a dream.

I read that you always felt at home on stage. I’d love to know about your acting inspirations growing up. Who were your go-to actors? What were your favourite films?

So, yeah, I’m a middle child, and I think that’s part of why I feel comfortable on stage. We’re kind of the chaotic bunch in a family. (Laughs)

I actually grew up watching a lot of Bollywood movies and was heavily influenced by them. A lot of my favourite films were Bollywood films.

Give us some names?

Obviously, anything with Shah Rukh Khan. I loved Mohabbatein (2000). I loved Aamir Khan’s films too — 3 Idiots (2009)... and  Taare Zameen Par (2007) is a classic. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), I loved that too. I’m trying to think, what else did I grow up loving? I can’t remember!

Megan Suri in a still from 'Companion'

Who is your favourite actor or actress?

That’s such a hard question. It changes every day. But I have some heavy influences from so many greats. An actress that immediately comes to mind, whom I’ve always loved and admired is Amy Adams. She can do just about anything.

Any South Asian actresses you liked growing up?

I loved Kareena Kapoor. Tabu is great. I think she’s a brilliant actress. It’s really cool to see her joining Hollywood in a way too.

What about horror films? Did you grow up watching a lot of them?

Yes! And I think I started watching them a little too early. I don’t know why my parents never stopped me, but I guess I always had the stomach for it.

What were your favourites? Which ones spooked you the most?

My earliest memory of a movie that didn’t necessarily spook me, but I used it to spook my siblings, was Jeepers Creepers. I would literally stand in the hallway waiting to scare them, pretending I was Jeepers Creepers and saying creepy things. I was a total weirdo.

Now, I have to ask — horror has a reputation for not treating women well. What is your take on that?

That’s such an interesting perspective, but I’ve actually always felt the opposite. I think women in horror are some of the most powerful characters we see. There’s the iconic term “scream queen,” and this movie really highlights that. My character, Kat, even though she’s playing a role for a man who doesn’t respect her, is actually one of the strongest characters in the movie because of how unapologetic, badass, and fierce she is.

Could you tell me more about Kat and how you got into character? 

Kat is the only human woman in the movie, which made for an interesting contrast to Iris. She’s the fierce, unapologetic friend in the group.

This was the first adult character I played on screen, so I really leaned into the wardrobe choices. Honestly, the script was so well-written that it wasn’t hard to tap into the elements that make Kat who she is. But it was exciting to play something outside of what I usually do.

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That’s great. Have you found a method yet? I recently spoke to Tabu, one of your favourite actresses — she’s 40 years in the business, and she says she doesn’t have a method.

That makes me feel so much better! Every character is different, so I don’t think you can ever have the same process. So no, I don’t have a method, and I don’t know if I ever will.

I was looking through your social media, and found it interesting how little you post. You’re Gen Z, and I don’t know anyone our age who isn’t chronically online. Why don’t you put yourself out there?

I think, like I said earlier, I’m a huge advocate for human connection. But honestly, I just don’t think I’m cool enough for this generation! They’re so advanced, and I don’t know how to keep up. If I’m not sleeping, I’m usually reading or watching something.

Companion hits theaters on January 31.