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The Travel Companion

Play trailer 1:52 Poster for The Travel Companion Apr 2026 1h 31m Drama Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 22 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Simon (Tristan Turner) is an early 30s filmmaker living in New York City with his best friend and roommate, Bruce (Anthony Oberbeck), who works for an airline. As Bruce’s dedicated "travel companion," he gets to fly for free on standby anytime he wants -- an incredible asset for his unfinished, sprawling documentary about humanity, which he can't quite describe but hopes to find in the edit. After a lackluster film screening, Simon's life takes a turn when he befriends Beatrice (Naomi Asa), a fellow filmmaker, and invites her to join him and Bruce at a bar. Bruce and Beatrice hit it off and before long, Simon wakes to find Beatrice in his kitchen. As his roommate's budding relationship gets more serious, Simon begins to fear losing his coveted travel perks. With only two months left until Bruce can change the recipient of his flight benefits, Simon begins to compromise his friendship with Bruce in his pursuit of retaining the free flights. Meanwhile, Simon's jealousy of Beatrice's successful filmmaking career intensifies, and he gradually loses focus on his own creative project as this obsession takes over. Can Simon keep both the benefits and his friendship intact?

Critics Reviews

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Christian Zilko IndieWire 5d
B
It’s not entirely safe from cliches... But Wood, Mallis, and co-writer Weston Auburn satirize the subtle ways that aspiring filmmakers, programmers, and cinephiles talk to each other so effectively that the film should charm its intended audience. Go to Full Review Nell Minow RogerEbert.com Apr 10
3.5/4
It draws us in with acutely observed details and relatable characters that portray universal conflicts, all with nuance and good humor. Go to Full Review Natalia Winkelman New York Times Apr 9
Specificity does not extend to Simon and Bruce’s bond, which consists of parallel play or the odd story about getting too stoned. If that’s the extent of these dudes’ platonic partnership, then don’t expect much sympathy over their rift. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 4d
3/4
It’s a well-made, relatable story about a filmmaker who learns he must stop waiting on standby to find artistic inspiration. Go to Full Review Ruth Maramis FlixChatter Film Blog Apr 11
3/5
A deadpan comedy that explores the bumpy ride of longtime friendship and the indie film scene. It astutely captures the struggles of many indie filmmakers in a funny, relatable way. Go to Full Review Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue Apr 10
What starts as a quirky comedy about struggling artists in New York evolves into a peculiar yet incisive drama probing petty jealousies, creativity versus commerce, and the perils of the gig economy. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
The Travel Companion

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Cast & Crew

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Alex Mallis

Director

Travis Wood

Director

Joanna Arnow

Actor

Peter Davis

Actor

Tristan Turner

Simon

Anthony Oberbeck

Bruce
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The Travel Companion

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The Travel Companion

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Movie Info

Synopsis Simon (Tristan Turner) is an early 30s filmmaker living in New York City with his best friend and roommate, Bruce (Anthony Oberbeck), who works for an airline. As Bruce’s dedicated "travel companion," he gets to fly for free on standby anytime he wants -- an incredible asset for his unfinished, sprawling documentary about humanity, which he can't quite describe but hopes to find in the edit. After a lackluster film screening, Simon's life takes a turn when he befriends Beatrice (Naomi Asa), a fellow filmmaker, and invites her to join him and Bruce at a bar. Bruce and Beatrice hit it off and before long, Simon wakes to find Beatrice in his kitchen. As his roommate's budding relationship gets more serious, Simon begins to fear losing his coveted travel perks. With only two months left until Bruce can change the recipient of his flight benefits, Simon begins to compromise his friendship with Bruce in his pursuit of retaining the free flights. Meanwhile, Simon's jealousy of Beatrice's successful filmmaking career intensifies, and he gradually loses focus on his own creative project as this obsession takes over. Can Simon keep both the benefits and his friendship intact?
Director
Alex Mallis, Travis Wood
Producer
Weston Auburn, Travis Wood, Alex Mallis
Screenwriter
Alex Mallis, Travis Wood, Weston Auburn
Distributor
Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co
Meerkat Media, BRIC TV, Art School Athletics
Genre
Drama, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 10, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 31m