The Accursed (2022) Ending Explained
TL;DR: The Accursed is a supernatural horror film that follows a group of friends who become entangled in a centuries-old curse after disturbing a witch's grave. The ending reveals that the curse is inescapable, as the protagonist, Elly, is revealed to be the reincarnation of the witch herself, completing a cyclical fate. The film concludes with Elly embracing her dark heritage, suggesting the curse will continue through her. Unresolved questions linger about the true nature of the curse, the witch's motivations, and whether Elly's transformation was inevitable or a choice. Personally, the ending is chilling but somewhat predictable, leaning heavily on classic horror tropes.
The Ending Explained
The climax of The Accursed unfolds as Elly, the final survivor of the group, confronts the witch's spirit in a desperate attempt to break the curse. Throughout the film, the curse manifests through gruesome deaths tied to each character's deepest fears, echoing the witch's own suffering centuries ago. In the final act, Elly learns she is not just a victim but the witch's chosen vessel-her reincarnation. The revelation comes when she discovers an old portrait of the witch bearing her likeness, and a cryptic journal entry hints at a cyclical rebirth. The witch's spirit merges with Elly, transforming her into the new harbinger of the curse. The film ends with Elly smiling ominously into a mirror, her eyes now glowing with supernatural energy, implying the curse will persist through her.
Symbolism and Themes
The ending reinforces the film's central themes of fate, identity, and the inescapability of the past. Elly's transformation symbolizes the idea that some legacies cannot be outrun, no matter how hard one tries. The mirror in the final shot serves as a metaphor for self-recognition and duality - Elly sees not herself but the witch staring back, suggesting she was always destined to become this entity. The cyclical nature of the curse also comments on how trauma and vengeance perpetuate across generations. The witch's curse was born from betrayal and violence, and Elly's friends pay for sins they didn't commit, mirroring how historical injustices resurface in the present.
Unresolved Questions
- Why was Elly chosen as the reincarnation?
- Possible Answer: Bloodline connection or a latent darkness within her.
- Alternative: Random selection, as the curse needed a new host.
- Could the curse have been broken?
- Possible Answer: Yes, if Elly had rejected the merger, but the film implies futility.
- Alternative: No, the curse was designed to be eternal.
- What was the witch's ultimate goal?
- Possible Answer: To live again through a new body and continue her vengeance.
- Alternative: To force others to suffer as she did, creating an endless cycle.
Personal Opinion
While The Accursed delivers a suitably eerie ending, it relies heavily on well-worn horror clichés-the "chosen one" trope and an inevitable descent into darkness. The twist of Elly's reincarnation is effective but predictable for seasoned horror fans. That said, the atmospheric tension and strong performance by the lead actor elevate the finale. The ambiguity of whether Elly had any agency in her transformation adds depth, though I wish the film had explored her internal struggle more. Overall, it's a solid but not groundbreaking entry in the supernatural horror genre.
Final Thoughts
The ending of The Accursed leaves a lingering sense of dread, emphasizing that some curses are meant to endure. By tying Elly's fate to the witch's, the film suggests that history repeats itself, and evil never truly dies-it simply finds new vessels. The lack of a traditional "happy ending" aligns with the movie's grim tone, but it also robs the audience of catharsis. Whether this is a strength or weakness depends on the viewer's appetite for bleak conclusions. For those who enjoy morally ambiguous horror with a side of fatalism, The Accursed delivers a fittingly dark finale.