‘The Travel Companion’ Review: Deadpan Comedy On Filmmaking And Friendship Resonates

Having narcissistic friends, lovers, and/or family members makes for a complicated relationship. Mix that frustration with the battles of indie filmmaking and one gets the refreshingly layered yet subtle The Travel Companion. Directed by Travis Woods and Alex Mallis, the feature centers on Simon (Tristan Turner), a documentarian who is stuck in a creative rut. His sole joy is taking advantage of the free flights courtesy of his best friend (and airline employee) Bruce (Anthony Oberbeck). When fellow filmmaker Beatrice becomes a possible girlfriend for Bruce, the “travel companion” status of Simon is in jeopardy! Check out my full review below!

The biggest challenge of The Travel Companion is having patience with Simon, as his “me first” behavior is alienating. A bit of patience is needed if uncomfortable humor is not your thing.

Running a brisk 91 minutes, this New York dramedy conveys the self-centered actions filmmakers might have in mounting their respective projects. Simon has been working on his documentary (which deals with physical and self-imposed borders) for several years and he is simply at wit’s end. When he sees Beatrice having success in her career and best friend/roommate Bruce enjoying his life, Simon might feel the world is passing him by.

Amidst all his struggles, Simon continues to make mistakes, and his lack of accountability might lead him down an even more miserable path. Can he finish his dream movie and still keep his friends? Plus, what happens if his travel companion status is handed over to Beatrice?

The Travel Companion, along with being an engaging narrative, is also a value added look at the costs of narcissim. Although filmmakers Travis Wood and Alex Mallis don’t hit us over the head with this message, the final moments were surprisingly resonant.

To find out if and when The Travel Companion plays in your respective city, visit its official site.

Full review is up on CinemAddicts and YouTube: