Something in the Dirt (2022) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Something in the Dirt (2022), directed by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, is a mind-bending sci-fi mystery that follows two neighbors, Levi and John, who witness bizarre supernatural phenomena in their Los Angeles apartment building. The film's ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers questioning whether the events were real, a shared delusion, or part of a larger conspiracy. The final scenes suggest that the characters' obsession with uncovering the truth may have led to their downfall, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia. The movie concludes with a surreal, open-ended sequence that reinforces its themes of perception, belief, and the unknowable nature of the universe.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Something in the Dirt is a culmination of the film's central mystery: Are Levi and John truly witnessing supernatural phenomena, or are they descending into madness? In the final act, the two men become increasingly obsessed with documenting the strange occurrences in their apartment, including levitating objects, unexplained lights, and cryptic symbols. Their amateur investigation spirals into paranoia, leading to a rift between them. The film's climax sees John disappearing under mysterious circumstances, while Levi is left alone, still trying to make sense of what happened. The final shot lingers on an empty apartment, suggesting that whatever force or delusion was at play has moved on, leaving no definitive answers.
One interpretation of the ending is that the phenomena were real, but the characters' inability to understand them led to their undoing. The film heavily implies that their apartment sits on a supernatural or extraterrestrial "hotspot," possibly linked to occult rituals or inter-dimensional rifts. However, their amateurish attempts to document and explain the events-through shaky cameras and pseudoscientific theories-only deepen the mystery. The movie critiques the human tendency to seek patterns and meaning even when none may exist, leaving the audience to wonder if the truth was ever within their grasp.
Alternatively, the ending could suggest that Levi and John were unreliable narrators, their perceptions distorted by isolation, mental illness, or even substance abuse. The film drops subtle hints that John may have been manipulating Levi, or that their friendship was built on a shared delusion. The abrupt disappearance of John could symbolize Levi's fractured psyche, unable to reconcile reality with his conspiracy-laden worldview. The apartment itself becomes a metaphor for the mind-a confined space where reality bends and breaks under the weight of obsession.
The film's structure, which includes mockumentary-style interviews and found footage, further complicates the ending. These stylistic choices imply that their story was later pieced together by outsiders, adding another layer of uncertainty. Were Levi and John victims of something beyond human comprehension, or were they just two lonely men lost in their own myths? The film refuses to provide a clear resolution, instead opting for a haunting, existential conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Was the supernatural phenomenon real?
- Yes: The film provides enough unexplained events (levitating objects, strange lights) to suggest an otherworldly presence.
- No: It could all be a shared delusion fueled by isolation and paranoia.
What happened to John?
- He was taken by the phenomenon: His disappearance aligns with other mysterious events in the film.
- He left or was killed by Levi: Their deteriorating relationship hints at a darker outcome.
What was the significance of the symbols and rituals?
- They were part of an occult or extraterrestrial presence: The film teases a deeper mythology.
- They were meaningless, and the characters projected meaning onto them: A commentary on human obsession with patterns.
Who was editing the documentary-style footage?
- An outside investigator: Suggests their story was later examined by others.
- Levi himself: Implies he may have fabricated parts of the narrative.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Something in the Dirt is a fascinating, if frustrating, film that thrives on ambiguity. The ending is deliberately elusive, which will undoubtedly divide viewers-some will appreciate the mystery, while others may crave more concrete answers. Personally, I found the open-ended conclusion effective, as it mirrors the characters' own confusion and desperation for meaning. The film excels in building tension through small, eerie details, and the performances by Benson and Moorhead (who also directed) sell the slow unraveling of their sanity. While it may not satisfy those looking for a neatly wrapped-up story, it's a thought-provoking exploration of belief, perception, and the unknown. The lingering sense of unease in the final moments is a testament to its unsettling power.
Ultimately, Something in the Dirt is less about solving its central mystery and more about the journey of two men who lose themselves in the search for answers. The film's refusal to provide closure makes it a unique and haunting experience, though it may not be for everyone. If you enjoy cerebral, slow-burn sci-fi with heavy doses of existential dread, this movie will linger in your mind long after it's over. If you prefer clear resolutions, however, its ambiguity might feel more frustrating than rewarding. Either way, it's a bold and memorable entry into indie sci-fi horror.