The sci-fi horror film Companion has captivated audiences and critics alike with its unexpected twists, unsettling atmosphere, and a thought-provoking ending that demands deeper analysis. The film’s shocking revelations in its third act leave plenty of room for interpretation, making it an instant conversation starter. In an exclusive interview, writer-director Drew Hancock broke down the film’s climactic moments and shared intriguing hints about a potential sequel.

At the heart of Companion is the story of Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid), a young couple who embark on a getaway with friends. However, the seemingly idyllic retreat quickly turns into a harrowing ordeal when Iris is assaulted by Sergey (Rupert Friend). What follows is a devastating series of discoveries: Iris is not human but rather a synthetic companion—a robot designed to serve and obey Josh, who considers her his property. Additionally, she learns that Josh and his accomplices were plotting to steal millions from Sergey and frame her for the crime.

Desperate to reclaim her autonomy, Iris embarks on a gripping escape. The climax unfolds in a brutal showdown between Iris and Josh, culminating in her using an electronic wine opener to stab him in the head, effectively neutralizing her oppressor. As the film closes, Iris, with her robotic nature partially exposed, drives off into an uncertain future, clutching the stolen money and embarking on a quest for freedom.

Hancock revealed that his creative process does not begin with a fully mapped-out story. “I typically don’t outline the entire movie,” he explained. “I need a roadmap for the first half, but I leave space to discover where the story naturally wants to go.”

This approach allowed the final confrontation between Iris and Josh to evolve organically. “I knew there would be a final confrontation. I knew Josh would be the last one standing against Iris, but I wasn’t sure exactly how that would play out. Once I had written half of the movie, I took a step back and let the second half unfold based on what had already been established.”

Hancock spent an entire month refining the film’s third act, ensuring it felt earned rather than improvised. “Too many films falter in the third act because the writer clearly didn’t know where they were going. I wanted Companion to feel cohesive, so I dedicated time to making the ending feel satisfying and intentional.”

One of the most debated moments in Companion is its mid-credits scene, which introduces a chilling new layer to the film’s mythology. Iris, now alone and free, encounters another version of herself—another synthetic companion with the same face, staring back in confusion.

Hancock described the scene as a deliberate expansion of the film’s universe. “I wanted to tease the world a little bit more. Are there just a few versions of Iris, or are there thousands? I wanted to leave the door open to the idea that she’s not as unique as she thinks she is.”

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However, he was careful to differentiate his vision from typical AI-driven narratives. “I didn’t want this to become Westworld or Blade Runner,” he noted. “I’m not interested in a robot revolution. I’m more fascinated by the question: Where does Iris go from here? What does freedom mean to someone who was never designed to have it?”

Although Hancock is currently tied up with his next major project—a reboot of The Faculty—he does have ideas for a possible sequel to Companion.

“I have little seeds of ideas,” he admitted. “For instance, what does Iris see when she’s in sleep mode? Does she have recurring dreams, or does she experience a manufactured past?”

He also envisioned a different approach for a follow-up. “I’d love to do what Alien and Aliens did—have someone else take the reins and expand on the story from a fresh perspective. If I had my way, though, the sequel would just be two hours of Iris living in peace. She cuts out her tracking chip, settles down on a farm with a couple million dollars, and tries to enjoy life. She watches the sunset with a glass of wine, even though she can’t drink it. That’s the future I want for her.”

Of course, he acknowledges that Hollywood would likely push for a more action-oriented sequel. “I understand that Warner Bros. probably wouldn’t greenlight my ‘Iris quietly gardening for two hours’ idea,” he joked. “But I’d be very curious to see where a new filmmaker could take the story.”

One of the film’s lingering questions revolves around the company that created Iris, Empathix. Hancock deliberately kept the corporation’s role ambiguous. “I’m not interested in digging deeper into Empathix,” he said. “I find it more compelling to focus on Iris’ journey rather than the people who built her.”

Still, Companion leaves many possibilities open. Iris may be one of thousands, or she may be the only one to ever break free. Her journey forward is full of obstacles—her stolen money, her need to refuel a gas-powered car in a future where gas stations may be obsolete, and, most significantly, her quest to define her own identity.

With Companion, Drew Hancock has crafted a gripping and emotionally resonant sci-fi thriller that raises fascinating questions about agency, autonomy, and what it truly means to be human. Whether or not a sequel materializes, the film’s haunting ending ensures that audiences will be talking about Iris’ fate for years to come.