‘Companion’ Ending Breakdown: Director Drew Hancock Tells All About the Film’s Showdown and Potential Sequel: ‘That’s the Future I Want for [Spoiler]’

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WARNING: The following article reveals key details from the entire storyline of “Companion,” currently screening in cinemas.

The sci-fi horror movie “Companion” has left both critics and viewers spellbound during its premiere weekend. This intricate thriller hides numerous surprises, particularly in the third act, that call for careful examination after viewing. Fortunately, writer-director Drew Hancock was persuaded by EbMaster to dissect the film’s closing moments, while also revealing his concept for a possible follow-up.

In essence, the plot revolves around Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid), a duo on a vacation with companions. A chilling incident occurs when Iris is almost sexually assaulted by Sergey (Rupert Friend). This event triggers Iris to uncover her true identity – being not human but a robot designed as Josh’s companion. She further learns about Josh and his friends’ intent to steal millions from Sergey, implicating Iris in their scheme. For the remainder of the film, Iris embarks on a journey to free herself from Josh’s control and assert her independence. In the climax, Iris engages in a struggle with Josh and emerges victorious by impaling him with an electronic corkscrew. Despite having parts of her body damaged earlier in the story, leaving a visible robotic arm, she escapes with the stolen money and drives off into the unknown.

Hancock shared insights into his distinctive approach to writing as he explained the crafting of the finale for “Companion.

He usually doesn’t prepare a detailed script for the entire movie, but he does plan out at least the initial half. He needs a guide for the first part of the journey. He has learned through experience that endings often change during the writing process and that the third act is typically developed as the story unfolds. Therefore, it’s a waste of time to try to predict the ending before starting to write, because once you begin writing and develop the characters’ unique voices and interactions, something exciting happens – finding a fresh way to conclude the story becomes an enchanting part of the journey itself as the plot unravels.

He went on to explain that he anticipated a decisive showdown would occur. He believed Jack would emerge victorious in this clash, with Iris ultimately prevailing. However, he wasn’t sure about the specifics. So, for the initial part, he had a precise plan, but for the latter half, it was more of a guessing game – ‘Perhaps it unfolds like this, perhaps it takes that turn, or could we end it here?’ He wrote the first half of the movie, then decided to put his writing on hold and outline the second half using the elements he had already established.

He explains he invested an entire month refining the third part of his work, ensuring it was leading somewhere purposeful. He dislikes movies that seem to be a stream-of-consciousness, as they often leave the audience guessing about the direction because it feels like the writer is making things up as they go along. They can be entertaining, but the ending often disappoints due to feeling rushed and unplanned. He wanted the conclusion to have meaning and provide closure, so he spent a month figuring that out before resuming his writing in Final Draft.

As a passionate cinephile, let me shed some light on the intriguing mid-credit scene where one Iris, with her mechanical appendage, waves to yet another Iris, perplexing the latter version while our familiar Iris beams with delight.

He expresses that he merely intended to create a hint, aiming to expand the narrative slightly. “Have we established previously how intricately… Are these characters three-dimensional or are there five distinct personalities to select from? Or did Josh design a female character entirely on his own? This revelation suggests that there could be countless robots, each bearing Iris’ likeness. This marks the start of a tale that might grow in scope. I didn’t want it to resemble a robot uprising, as I’m not interested in telling that story, but rather, this is the genesis of a narrative with potential for expansion.

Despite being occupied with his upcoming venture, the recent announcement that Hancock is set to pen a reboot of “The Faculty,” also sparks some thoughts in him regarding potential storylines for a sequel to “Companion.

As a film enthusiast, I’m constantly nurturing tiny sparks of creativity. Thoughts like, “Now, wouldn’t it be fascinating… What if, when she enters her resting phase, she experiences something unique? Since she must eventually rest, what if the grocery store is her world and every time she’s put to sleep, there’s a chance encounter? Could this be an opportunity to reintroduce Jack’s character?” These are just some of the ideas that occasionally cross my mind.

Regarding the narrative, after expressing that I believe I’ve adequately portrayed my version of the story, he suggests stepping aside and adopting a style similar to ‘Alien’ / ‘Aliens.’ He asks, ‘Where do you see this going?’ If given the opportunity to write the sequel to ‘Companion,’ he would focus on Iris. The story would begin with her discarding her tracking device by the roadside, followed by scenes of her on a farm, wealthy yet unable to enjoy her newfound wealth or simple pleasures such as gardening and cooking meals that she ultimately discards. He envisions Iris performing ordinary human activities like watching sunsets with a glass of wine but not being able to partake in them. This melancholic portrayal would span two hours, symbolizing his desire for Iris to finally find peace and enjoy the simple beauty of life, especially the sunset.

He went on to say, chuckling, “I suspect Warner Bros. wouldn’t take to that version, so I won’t insist on it. However, I’d be intrigued to witness a fresh interpretation of the tale, devoid of resemblance to ‘Westworld.’ Regarding Empathix, I have no curiosity. Instead, what piques my interest is uncovering Iris’s journey and how she manages to endure. After all, she’s living 15 years in the future and traveling in a gas-powered vehicle. Her fuel will eventually run out. Gas stations are likely non-existent by then. Therefore, she’ll encounter immediate challenges right away, which could make for an exciting exploration.

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2025-02-02 00:17