Lisa Frankenstein (2024) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Lisa Frankenstein (2024) is a darkly comedic and emotionally cathartic resolution to Lisa Swallows' twisted journey of love, revenge, and self-discovery. After reanimating her Victorian-era crush, the Creature, Lisa embraces her gothic fantasies but spirals into murderous chaos. The finale sees Lisa and the Creature fleeing her oppressive suburban life, leaving behind a trail of bodies and unresolved trauma. The film concludes ambiguously, blending horror, romance, and coming-of-age themes, leaving viewers to ponder whether Lisa's transformation is liberation or descent into madness.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of Lisa Frankenstein unfolds as Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), a socially isolated teen obsessed with Victorian romance and death, fully commits to her macabre partnership with the reanimated Creature (Cole Sprouse). After a series of gruesome yet darkly humorous murders to "perfect" the Creature's body, Lisa's actions culminate in the death of her abusive stepmother, Janet (Carla Gugino), and the near-destruction of her family. The Creature, now fully restored and eerily human-like, becomes Lisa's partner in crime, symbolizing her rejection of societal norms and embrace of her gothic identity. The final scenes show Lisa and the Creature driving away from their suburban nightmare, their future uncertain but united in their defiance of a world that never understood them.
Themes and Symbolism:
The ending reinforces the film's central themes of female rage, outsider solidarity, and the blurred line between love and obsession. Lisa's transformation from a meek, misunderstood girl into a vengeful, confident woman mirrors classic Frankenstein narratives but with a feminist twist. The Creature acts as both a literal and metaphorical manifestation of Lisa's repressed desires-her longing for love, acceptance, and retribution. Their escape symbolizes a rejection of patriarchal and suburban conformity, though it's ambiguous whether their freedom comes at the cost of their humanity. The film's gothic aesthetic and dark humor underscore the absurdity and tragedy of Lisa's journey, making the ending both satisfying and unsettling.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers:
1. Do Lisa and the Creature survive long-term, or is their escape fleeting?
- Possibility 1: They thrive as outlaws, living a twisted but fulfilling life.
- Possibility 2: Their relationship collapses under the weight of violence, leaving them alone again.
2. Was Lisa always destined for darkness, or was she pushed into it?
- Possibility 1: Her trauma and isolation made her embrace monstrosity as self-preservation.
- Possibility 2: She was inherently drawn to the macabre, and the Creature merely enabled her.
3. What happens to Lisa's remaining family (e.g., her father, stepsister)?
- Possibility 1: They're left traumatized, forever haunted by Lisa's actions.
- Possibility 2: They move on, erasing Lisa from their lives as she erases them from hers.
Personal Opinion:
Lisa Frankenstein delivers a bold, unconventional ending that perfectly suits its campy, gothic tone. While some might find the conclusion abrupt or morally ambiguous, I appreciate its refusal to sanitize Lisa's arc. Her decision to abandon humanity-literally and figuratively-feels like a perversely empowering act, even as it horrifies. The film's blend of horror, humor, and heart makes the ending resonate; it's not just about revenge but about finding someone who accepts you at your most monstrous. Cole Sprouse's wordless yet expressive performance as the Creature adds depth, making their twisted romance weirdly touching. Overall, it's a flawed but fascinating film with an ending that lingers.
Final Thoughts:
The ending of Lisa Frankenstein leaves audiences with more questions than answers, but that's its strength. By refusing to neatly resolve Lisa's story, the film stays true to its rebellious spirit. Whether you see her as a villain, a victim, or an antihero, her journey is unforgettable-a bloody, funny, and oddly poignant ode to misfits and the monsters they become.