Wolfs (2024) Ending Explained
TL;DR: Wolfs (also known as The Wolf of Snow Hollow) is a 2020 horror-comedy film that follows small-town sheriff John Marshall as he investigates a series of brutal murders attributed to a werewolf. The ending reveals that the killings were actually committed by John's alcoholic father, Sheriff Hadley Marshall, who was suffering from a degenerative disease that caused violent, animalistic behavior. The film concludes with John accepting his father's monstrous nature and taking responsibility for covering up the truth, leaving the town to believe in the myth of a werewolf rather than face the painful reality of human evil. The unresolved questions revolve around the nature of the disease, the town's fate, and John's future.
The Ending Explained
The climax of Wolfs reveals that the supposed werewolf attacks were not the work of a supernatural creature but were instead committed by John Marshall's own father, Sheriff Hadley Marshall. Throughout the film, John struggles with alcoholism, denial, and the pressure of living up to his father's legacy, all while trying to solve the murders. The final act exposes Hadley as the killer, showing that his violent outbursts were symptoms of a degenerative illness that transformed him into a feral, beast-like state. This twist subverts the werewolf mythos, grounding the horror in a more tragic, human reality.
The film's resolution sees John confronting his father in a brutal, emotional showdown. After realizing the truth, John is forced to kill Hadley to stop the murders, but he chooses to preserve the town's belief in a werewolf rather than reveal his father's crimes. This decision reflects John's own denial and the film's broader theme of how people cling to myths to avoid painful truths. The final scene shows John staring into the distance, implying that he may have inherited his father's condition, leaving his future ambiguous.
Unresolved Questions
What was the exact nature of Hadley's illness?
- The film suggests it was a degenerative disease causing violent behavior, but whether it was supernatural or medical is left unclear.
- Some fans theorize it was a metaphorical representation of inherited trauma or alcoholism.
Will John succumb to the same condition?
- The final shot hints at a possible fate similar to his father's, but the film doesn't confirm this.
- Alternatively, John may have broken the cycle by facing the truth.
How will the town move forward?
- The myth of the werewolf may persist, preventing real closure.
- Others might suspect the truth, leading to further distrust.
Personal Opinion
The ending of Wolfs is a brilliant blend of horror and tragedy, subverting expectations by replacing a supernatural monster with a deeply human one. The reveal that Hadley was the killer is heartbreaking, as it forces John to confront not only his father's crimes but also his own potential for violence. The film's dark humor and small-town atmosphere add layers to its themes of denial and legacy. While some may find the lack of a clear-cut resolution frustrating, I appreciate the ambiguity, as it leaves room for interpretation and emphasizes the cyclical nature of violence and addiction.
Final Thoughts
Wolfs is a unique take on the werewolf genre, using the monster as a metaphor for inherited trauma and the destructive power of denial. The ending doesn't provide easy answers, instead forcing the audience to sit with the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the real monsters are the people we love. The film's blend of horror, comedy, and emotional depth makes it a standout, and the final moments linger in the mind long after the credits roll. Whether John is doomed to repeat his father's fate or has finally broken free is left hauntingly open-ended.