Samantha (also known as lolo) is a dog and Robert Neville's only living companion. She is played by two German Shepherd Dogs named Abbey & Kona.
Biography[]
On the night that Robert Neville attempts to evacuate his wife and daughter from the city, his daughter hands him Samantha - then still a puppy - and tells Samantha to look after her dad.
Following the mass evacuation of the city, its isolation - by the destruction of bridges - and the ultimate death and/or infection of every other human in the city, Samantha becomes Robert's sole companion. Throughout the movie it is seen that Robert's bond with Sam is almost human, as he talks to her like a human friend and even feeds her food off of a plate and later berates her - in a loving way - for not eating her vegetables.
Sam accompanies Robert where ever he goes, including on hunting trips. In one tense moment Sam follows a deer into a dark building while hunting and has to be rescued by Robert from a "hive" of Darkseekers.
Heroic fight, Infection and death[]
Robert, even though he has Sam for company, clearly shows signs of isolation and the need for human contact as he talks to mannequins and even implies attraction to a female mannequin in a video store. He apologises to Sam for not chatting to the female mannequin, but promises to build-up the courage to do so. While out driving Robert comes across "Fred” . He exits his vehicle and becomes angry with "Fred" because "Fred" has moved by himself. He proceeds to shoot the mannequin. He is immediately overcome with grief by his actions and walks over to "Fred". It is then that we realise that "Fred” was placed there as a decoy by Robert as when getting near "Fred", Robert triggers a similiar snare to the one he set to catch the female Darkseeker he is using for anti-virus tests. Robert is knocked unconscious after hitting his head when the snare lifts him off the ground.
Robert is later woken by his watch beeping - warning him that the sun will set soon - and Sam crying and licking his face.
Robert is then alerted by Darkseekers who have 3 infected dogs on leashes. Infected dogs are barking and ready to attack, patiently waiting for nighttime to set in. As infected dogs continue barking, Sam to goes into barking. As Robert warns Sam to retreat, he is seen going for his gun while injured. Nighttime hits, the infected dogs are set free. With the 3 going after Robert, Sam jumps onto one defending him. As Robert is getting approached by an attacking dog, he shoots killing one. As Robert, turns to Sam, he panics as Sam is viciously attacked by the second infected dog. He shoots the second one, leaving the third dog left. Putting up a fight, Sam tackles the last one. Leaving Robert to shoot it dead.
As Sam struggles to stand, she collapses. Whimpering and in pain, Robert comes to check her injuries. “It’s okay, you’re alright, Samantha look at me girl, you’re alright, let’s get you home” he says. He picks her up and takes her home.
In the lab, Sam gets her medicine and is comforted by Robert on the floor. Changes start to happen as Robert notices her fur came off, eyes change colors and her teeth turn yellow. Now infected, Sam tries to attack him. Leaving Robert to suffocate her to death.