Significant Other (2022) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
Significant Other (2022) is a psychological horror-thriller about a couple, Ruth (Maika Monroe) and Harry (Jake Lacy), whose backpacking trip takes a terrifying turn when Harry begins acting strangely. The film's ambiguous ending reveals that Harry has been replaced by an alien organism that mimics human behavior. In the final scenes, Ruth seemingly escapes and kills the imposter, only to realize she may also be infected. The movie leaves viewers questioning reality, identity, and whether Ruth's survival is genuine or another layer of the organism's manipulation.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Significant Other unfolds as Ruth discovers that Harry has been replaced by a parasitic alien entity capable of mimicking human appearance and behavior. After a tense confrontation in the woods, Ruth manages to kill the imposter, believing she has survived the ordeal. However, the film's final moments introduce a chilling twist: Ruth returns home, but subtle cues-such as her unnerving smile and the way she interacts with her surroundings-suggest she may now be infected herself. This ambiguity leaves the audience wondering whether Ruth truly escaped or if the organism has simply taken on her identity to spread further.
The film's ending leans heavily into psychological horror, playing with the idea of identity erosion and the fragility of human perception. The alien entity doesn't just replicate its hosts-it seems to absorb their memories and emotions, making it nearly impossible to detect. Ruth's final scenes mirror Harry's earlier behavior, implying a cyclical nature to the infection. The movie deliberately avoids clear answers, forcing viewers to grapple with whether Ruth's survival is a victory or a horrifying continuation of the organism's life cycle.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Is Ruth still human at the end?
- Yes: She genuinely survived, and her odd behavior is just trauma.
- No: The organism has taken her over, and her smile hints at its control.
- What is the alien organism's ultimate goal?
- Survival: It mimics humans to propagate undetected.
- Colonization: It may be part of a larger invasion, slowly replacing people.
- Was Harry ever truly human during the trip?
- No: He was replaced before the events of the film.
- Yes: He was infected mid-trip, explaining his gradual change.
- Why does the organism let Ruth "win"?
- Manipulation: It allows her to think she escaped to spread further.
- Evolution: It learns from each host, improving its mimicry.
Themes & Symbolism
The ending reinforces the film's themes of trust, identity, and the fear of the unknown. Ruth's journey mirrors the audience's paranoia-just as she questions Harry's humanity, we question hers. The forest setting acts as a metaphor for isolation and the loss of self, where the lines between human and inhuman blur. The alien organism represents an existential threat not just to the characters but to the concept of individuality. The final shot of Ruth smiling eerily at the camera suggests that the real horror isn't the monster in the woods but the idea that we might not recognize it-or ourselves-anymore.
Personal Opinion
Significant Other delivers a tense, atmospheric thriller with an ending that lingers long after the credits roll. While some may find the ambiguity frustrating, I appreciate how it leans into psychological horror rather than cheap jump scares. The final twist-that Ruth may no longer be herself-is both chilling and thought-provoking. Maika Monroe's performance sells the gradual unraveling of reality, making the ending feel earned. That said, the film could have benefited from slightly more clarity; while ambiguity works, a few more clues about the organism's nature would have deepened the payoff. Overall, it's a solid entry in the sci-fi horror genre, leaving just enough unanswered to spark discussion.
Final Thoughts
The ending of Significant Other is a masterclass in sustained dread. By refusing to tie everything up neatly, the film ensures that its horror lingers in the audience's mind. Whether Ruth is truly free or just another vessel for the organism is left hauntingly open, making the story feel larger than its runtime. It's a movie that rewards repeat viewings, as small details-like Harry's earlier behavior or Ruth's final expressions-take on new meaning. If you enjoy films that prioritize atmosphere and psychological unease over straightforward resolution, this ending will likely satisfy. If not, the lack of concrete answers might leave you wanting more. Either way, it's a conversation starter.