Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023) Ending Explained
TL;DR
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines serves as a prequel to the 2019 Pet Sematary film, exploring the origins of the cursed burial ground in Ludlow, Maine. The ending reveals Jud Crandall's tragic past, showing how he and his friends fought against the resurrected dead, only to realize that the evil force behind the burial ground is far more ancient and insidious than they imagined. The film concludes with Jud leaving Ludlow, traumatized but determined to warn others-though the cycle of death and resurrection inevitably continues. Unanswered questions linger about the true nature of the Wendigo and whether the curse can ever truly be broken.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines sees Jud Crandall (played by Jackson White) and his friends confronting the resurrected versions of their loved ones, who have been brought back by the cursed Micmac burial ground. Unlike the original Pet Sematary, which focused on Louis Creed's family, this prequel delves into Jud's backstory, revealing how he first encountered the supernatural evil lurking in Ludlow. The final act is a brutal showdown where Jud and his allies attempt to destroy the undead, including his own father, Bill (played by David Duchovny), who has been transformed into a monstrous version of himself.
Jud ultimately succeeds in stopping the immediate threat by burning down the burial ground, but the film implies that the evil is not truly vanquished. The Wendigo-an ancient malevolent spirit tied to the land-continues to exert its influence, ensuring that the cycle of death and resurrection will persist. The ending mirrors the fatalistic tone of Stephen King's original story: no matter how hard people fight against it, the evil of the burial ground always wins. Jud, scarred by the horrors he has witnessed, leaves Ludlow, setting up his eventual return in the 2019 adaptation where he warns Louis Creed about the dangers of the place.
Unresolved Questions
What is the true nature of the Wendigo?
- Is it a demonic entity, a Native American curse, or something even older?
- Could it be an embodiment of human grief and desperation?
Why does the burial ground affect people differently?
- Some returnees are violent and monstrous, while others seem almost unchanged-what determines this?
- Is there a way to control or influence the resurrection process?
Could the curse ever be broken?
- The film suggests the evil is cyclical-has anyone ever truly defeated it?
- Would destroying the land itself (not just burning it) end the curse?
What happened to Jud after leaving Ludlow?
- Did he ever try to warn others beyond Louis Creed?
- Why does he return to Ludlow in his later years?
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film
Pet Sematary: Bloodlines succeeds in expanding the lore of King's universe, but its ending feels both inevitable and frustrating. The prequel format works well to deepen Jud's character, giving context to his warnings in the 2019 film, but the story's fatalism makes it somewhat predictable. There's a sense of hopelessness that, while thematically consistent, leaves little room for innovation. The Wendigo's presence is intriguing but underdeveloped - I wish the film had explored its origins more. Overall, it's a solid horror entry for fans of the franchise, but it doesn't surpass the psychological dread of the original.
Final Thoughts
The ending of Bloodlines reinforces the idea that some evils are inescapable, a recurring theme in King's work. Jud's fate-knowing the truth but being powerless to stop the cycle-is tragic, yet it makes his role in the 2019 film even more poignant. While the movie doesn't answer all questions, it adds depth to the mythology, making it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts. Still, one can't help but wonder if a different approach-perhaps a full Wendigo backstory or a more conclusive finale-could have elevated it beyond a standard prequel.