Struggling documentarian Simon (Tristan Turner) relies on the unique perk of his roommate and best friend Bruce’s (Anthony Oberbeck) airline job: free flights as his travel companion, which he indulges in frequently to shoot footage for his films. When Beatrice (Naomi Asa), a charming fellow up-and-coming filmmaker, enters their lives and starts to date Bruce, Simon fears his one advantage in the harsh world of the film industry may disappear before his eyes. Increasingly obsessed and unable to adapt to the evolving dynamics of his friendship, his relentless fixation on his precious travel companion status causes a tension that builds to irreversible levels.

Filmmaker duo Travis Wood and Alex Mallis’ strong feature debut announces them as an exciting collaborative voice. With hilarious deadpan humor and excellent understated performances, The Travel Companion offers a deft and painfully comedic insight into the push and pull of aspiring filmmakers’ woes, the inner turmoil when professional and personal jealousies collide, and the growing pains of long term friendships.—Celeste Wong