The Medium (2021) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of The Medium (2021), a Thai horror film directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, culminates in a devastating and ambiguous conclusion where the protagonist Nim (Narilya Gulmongkolpech) becomes fully possessed by the malevolent spirit Bayan. After a failed exorcism ritual, the documentary crew and family members are brutally killed, leaving Nim's fate uncertain. The film ends with a chilling shot of Nim's possessed form, suggesting the spirit's victory and the complete annihilation of the family's lineage. The finale raises questions about cultural beliefs, the nature of evil, and whether the documentary footage itself is cursed.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The final act of The Medium escalates into a harrowing sequence of violence and supernatural horror. Nim, initially believed to be the medium for the benevolent goddess Bayan, is revealed to be harboring a far more sinister entity-a malevolent spirit masquerading as Bayan. As the documentary crew captures the unfolding chaos, the family attempts an exorcism led by a shaman, but the ritual fails catastrophically. The spirit's power overwhelms everyone, leading to a bloodbath where most characters, including Nim's family and the film crew, are slaughtered. The documentary-style framing device adds to the realism, making the horror feel disturbingly immediate.
The film's conclusion is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the audience to grapple with its implications. The final shot shows Nim's fully possessed form, her eyes blackened and her demeanor eerily calm, suggesting the spirit has achieved total dominance. This ending subverts traditional horror tropes where evil is often vanquished; instead, The Medium opts for a bleak resolution where the supernatural force triumphs. The documentary footage cuts abruptly, implying the crew's demise and leaving the viewer to wonder if the curse extends beyond the screen. This meta-horror element deepens the film's unsettling impact, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Is the spirit truly Bayan or something else?
- It's likely a deceptive, evil entity pretending to be Bayan.
- Alternatively, Bayan herself might have a dark, unexplored aspect.
What happened to the documentary footage?
- The footage was never recovered, implying the curse destroyed it.
- The footage itself could be cursed, continuing the cycle of horror.
Did anyone survive?
- The abrupt ending suggests no survivors, but it's left open.
- Nim might still be alive, now a vessel for the spirit.
Was the shaman's ritual doomed from the start?
- The spirit was too powerful, making the ritual futile.
- The family's lack of pure faith or hidden sins may have doomed them.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film:
The Medium is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, with its documentary-style approach lending an air of authenticity that makes the supernatural elements all the more terrifying. The ending is brutally effective, refusing to offer comfort or closure, which aligns with the film's themes of inevitability and cultural fatalism. However, some may find the ambiguity frustrating, as it leaves key questions unanswered. The possession sequences are visceral and haunting, but the film's pacing can feel uneven. Overall, The Medium succeeds as a chilling exploration of faith and horror, though its bleakness may not resonate with everyone. The ending lingers like a curse, ensuring the audience leaves disturbed and unsettled.
Final Thoughts:
The ending of The Medium is a testament to the film's commitment to unrelenting horror. By denying a conventional resolution, it forces viewers to sit with the discomfort of unanswered questions and the terrifying idea that evil cannot always be defeated. The documentary format amplifies the realism, making the supernatural horror feel uncomfortably plausible. While the film's bleakness may not appeal to all, its audacious ending cements The Medium as a standout in the possession horror genre. The lingering ambiguity ensures the horror stays with you long after the credits roll, a hallmark of truly effective storytelling.