
Unveiling the Plot Twists in Warner Bros.’ Companion
Pre-release marketing efforts for Warner Bros.’ Companion may have led you to believe that the entire storyline was revealed. While it’s true that Iris (Sophie Thatcher) discovers her robotic identity, the journey to this revelation is filled with unexpected complexities. For writer and director Drew Hancock, along with the lead actors, crafting the narrative proved to be a creative endeavor that required careful consideration and planning. The juxtaposition of suspense and character development keeps audiences engaged, making the path to Iris’s realization a significant highlight of the film.
Intriguing Character Dynamics and Plot Developments
Following the shocking robot reveal, the narrative takes a darker turn as Iris becomes entangled in a dangerous plot orchestrated by her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) and his friend Kat (Megan Suri). Their sinister plan involves killing Kat’s boyfriend Sergey (Rupert Friend) to gain access to the significant cash stored in his vault. In a revealing interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hancock shared that Iris’s initial role was to eliminate Sergey using a wine cork. However, as the story progressed, the climax shifted; Josh ultimately meets his demise via the wine cork, while Sergey suffers a more brutal fate at the hands of a pocket knife—a weapon that Josh cunningly planted among Iris’s belongings. Hancock noted that this twist allowed for Josh’s complicity, enhancing the narrative’s depth and unpredictability.
Behind the Scenes: A Unique and Exhausting Experience
Both Thatcher and Quaid found filming Josh’s dramatic demise to be an intense experience, particularly since it was shot at 5 AM. Thatcher candidly expressed to EW that her exhaustion added an element of surrealism to the scene, stating, “I think I had three Celsius cans, and it felt kind of out of body.” Quaid resonated with this sentiment, describing the moment as “one of the most creative ways I’ve ever died in something.” The scene’s unique blend of humor and intensity made it a memorable finale, with cast members and crew applauding as the film wrapped up, celebrating their shared creative journey.
Exploring Potential Futures for Companion
The film concludes with Iris driving away with Sergey’s ill-gotten money, now fully aware of her autonomy thanks to a technician from her creator, Empathix. Hancock disclosed to Variety that he has some intriguing ideas for a potential sequel, albeit still in the conceptual stage. These ideas explore themes of Iris’s dreams, her quest for love, or even simpler pleasures such as “owning a farm” or “enjoying the sunset.” Alternatively, Hancock considers a new direction by introducing a different protagonist, steering clear of a Westworld-like scenario. However, these ideas are on the back burner as he currently focuses on rebooting The Faculty.
We invite you to share your thoughts on Companion in the comments below. Should this film return for more thrilling sci-fi adventures?
Stay updated with io9 for the latest news on Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as upcoming projects in the DC Universe and the future of Doctor Who.