The sci-fi horror film “Companion” has captivated audiences with its shocking twists and haunting finale. Director Drew Hancock recently shared insights into the film’s ending and potential sequel, shedding light on the creative process behind the gripping climax.
The Climactic Showdown
The film follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher), who discovers she is not human but a robot owned by her manipulative boyfriend, Josh (Jack Quaid). This revelation comes amidst a violent betrayal, as Josh and his friends plan to rob Sergey (Rupert Friend) and frame Iris for the crime. The final confrontation sees Iris outmaneuvering Josh, ultimately killing him with an electronic wine opener before fleeing with the stolen money.
Hancock described his approach to writing the film’s ending, emphasizing how he allows narratives to evolve organically. “I typically don’t outline the entire movie, but I need to have a road map of half the journey. Endings always change, and you figure them out as you write,” he explained. The director spent a month refining the third act to ensure a satisfying conclusion, avoiding the pitfalls of improvisational storytelling that often result in weak resolutions.
The Mid-Credits Scene Explained
The mid-credits sequence teases a broader narrative, showing Iris encountering another version of herself. Hancock elaborated on this eerie moment, noting that it hints at a larger world of mass-produced androids. “We haven’t set up how finely … Are these cut-out characters? Are there five faces to choose from? Or was Josh able to construct a woman from scratch? This scene suggests there are probably thousands of robots with Iris’ face.”
Rather than setting up a full-scale robot uprising, Hancock intends this moment to expand the world-building subtly. “I didn’t want it to be like a robot revolution, because I don’t want to tell that story, but this is the beginning of a story that could get bigger.”
Future Possibilities: A Sequel?
While Hancock is currently occupied with his upcoming reboot of The Faculty, he has entertained thoughts about where Iris’ story might go next. “I have little seeds of ideas. What does she see when she’s put to sleep? Is she living in that grocery store, and there’s a meet-cute every time she goes into rest mode? Maybe that’s a way to bring back Jack’s character.”
If he were to direct a sequel himself, Hancock envisions a minimalist, introspective film focusing on Iris’ attempt to assimilate into human life. “If I made the sequel, it would just be a shot of her on the side of the road, cutting out her tracking chip, then cutting to her on a farm with a couple of million dollars. She’d be gardening, making a meal, throwing it out because she can’t eat it. Watching a sunset with a glass of wine but not being able to drink it. Just scenes like that for two hours. That’s the future I want for Iris.”
He acknowledges that such a subdued approach might not align with Warner Bros.’ expectations. “I understand that Warner Bros. probably wouldn’t be interested in that version,” he said with a laugh. Instead, he envisions a different creative voice stepping in to expand the story while maintaining its unique tone.
Where Could Iris Go Next?
Rather than exploring the corporate origins of Empathix, Hancock is more intrigued by Iris’ survival in a futuristic world. “She’s living 15 years in the future, driving a gas-powered car. She’s going to run out of gas. There aren’t gas stations, I’m sure, in 15 years. So she’s going to be immediately met with obstacles, which could be fun to play around with.”
As Companion continues to generate discussion, fans will have to wait to see if Iris’ journey continues. Whether through a sequel or an entirely new take on the concept, Hancock’s film has laid the groundwork for a world filled with intrigue, deception, and the relentless quest for autonomy.
