In Cuba of the 1980s, the government dispatched HIV patients to a facility ruled by the military. Under strict control, the patients are allowed to go out and see their families once a week, accompanied by a “companion.” A former boxing champion, Horacio, who failed a drug test and was disqualified, comes to the facility as a companion of Daniel, who is the most misbehaving patient in the facility. Seeking freedom even on the verge of death, Daniel plans to escape from the facility, while Horacio wants to win his champion’s belt back. The two start to help each other in the other’s quest. Pavel Giroud’s The Companion is a human drama inspired by a real but unknown event from Cuba 30 years ago. This subject on an individual who fights against an oppressive social system and undefeatable freewill will surely be shared universally. (Jin PARK)