Companion Demonstrates It Could Have Kept Its Major Twist Intact

Note: This article contains major spoilers for Companion (2025).

The sci-fi thriller Companion, directed by Drew Hancock, presents an engaging storyline that is marred by its marketing campaign, which prematurely reveals significant plot twists. Despite a carefully constructed narrative, the film openly discloses a crucial element: the fate of Iris, played by Sophie Thatcher, who states in her opening narration that her life fundamentally changed on the day she met John and the day she killed him. This notable admission, which is prominently featured in the film’s trailers, essentially foreshadows that Josh, portrayed by Jack Quaid, will not survive.

While the film’s climax is ultimately unexpected, the revelation that Iris is actually a companion robot substantially undermines the mystery that could have been built around her character. Viewers uncover this pivotal detail about a third of the way into the movie, although teasers and promotional materials had hinted at this twist long before its official theatrical release.

Early Indicators of Iris’s True Identity

Marketing Spoils the Surprise

The trailers for Companion inadvertently revealed Iris’s robotic nature, leading to disappointment among critics who valued the film. Notably, British film critic Mark Kermode took great care in his YouTube review to avoid divulging this information. The initial teaser hinted at Iris’s identity with a striking visual of her staring at her own burning arm, unable to move from the flame, but the full-length trailer confirmed the anticipated twist unequivocally.

In a later trailer, a scene shows Megan Suri’s character Cat insisting that Josh power down Iris, accentuating the technological elements of her characterization. While the intricate workings of the robot are not delved into within the trailer, the implication of Iris’s identity becomes unmistakable. This is unfortunate, as the film’s tightly woven script and subtle foreshadowing could have sustained the tension without spilling this crucial detail prematurely.

Masterful Foreshadowing in the Film

Clever Hints Throughout the Narrative

The film incorporates numerous hints regarding Iris’s identity, which become somewhat redundant due to the prior marketing campaign. Early scenes showcase Iris and Josh asleep in a self-driving car, subtly indicating a futuristic setting. Iris’s playful interaction with Josh—encouraging him to appreciate the car as if it were sentient—further emphasizes her peculiar perspective on machines. Additionally, Josh’s affectionate nickname for Iris, “Beep Boop, ” alludes to her underlying robotic nature, which she remains oblivious to.

The dialogue serves as another mechanism for foreshadowing; when Sergei describes Iris as “this beautiful creation, ” coupled with other characters sharing dubious stories about their relationships, it creates an underlying tension about the authenticity of their connections. Further adding to the intricacy, Cat laments her lack of agency in her relationship, contrasting sharply with Iris’s programmed existence.

The Motives Behind Marketing Decisions

Influence from M3GAN’s Popularity

There’s speculation that the studio’s marketing strategy may have been influenced by the viral success of the film M3GAN, leading them to disclose Iris’s secret early on as a desperate means to attract audiences. This aligns with ongoing cultural dialogues surrounding artificial intelligence, though the critical acclaim achieved by Companion indicates that the twist didn’t need to be spoiled for marketing purposes. The film’s visual appeal, along with its talented cast and sharp storytelling, creates an engaging experience without the need for early reveals.

Undermining the Impact of Twists

Lessons from Barbarian’s Marketing Approach

Looking back, it is pertinent to compare Companion with Barbarian, a film produced by Zach Cregger, who managed to maintain mystery around vital plot points through its marketing strategy. Cregger’s earlier work accentuated suspense without delivering major twists in promotional materials, resulting in a thriving theatrical run and earning over $44 million—an impressive feat for an indie horror movie.

By following a similar strategy, Companion could have preserved audience intrigue and enhanced the overall viewing experience, allowing for a more suspenseful atmosphere. While the film’s narrative holds immense strength, the early revelations diminish its potential to surprise and engage viewers fully, highlighting a missed opportunity within its marketing.

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