Who Invited Them (2022) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Who Invited Them is a psychological horror-thriller about a couple, Adam and Margo, who throw a housewarming party where two mysterious guests, Tom and Sasha, overstay their welcome. The ending reveals that Tom and Sasha are part of a secret society that "adopts" couples by infiltrating their lives and replacing them. The film culminates in a violent confrontation where Adam and Margo fight back, but the final scene ambiguously suggests that Tom and Sasha may have succeeded in their mission, leaving the audience questioning who is really in control of the home-and their identities.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Who Invited Them is a chilling culmination of psychological manipulation and physical confrontation. After Tom and Sasha refuse to leave Adam and Margo's home, their true intentions become horrifyingly clear: they are part of a cult-like group that "adopts" couples by erasing their identities and taking over their lives. The final act escalates into a brutal fight, with Adam and Margo desperately trying to expel the intruders. However, the film's ambiguity peaks in the last scene, where subtle cues-such as the way Margo smiles at Adam or the lingering presence of Tom and Sasha's belongings-hint that the protagonists may have already been replaced. The ending leaves the audience unsettled, questioning whether the victory was real or another layer of the invaders' scheme.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Did Adam and Margo truly win, or were they replaced?
- Possibility 1: They survived and expelled Tom and Sasha, but the lingering unease suggests paranoia.
- Possibility 2: Tom and Sasha succeeded, and the "Adam and Margo" at the end are imposters.
What is the full extent of Tom and Sasha's organization?
- Possibility 1: They are part of a small, localized group targeting wealthy couples.
- Possibility 2: They belong to a vast, secretive network with many successful "adoptions."
Why were Adam and Margo targeted?
- Possibility 1: Their successful careers and new home made them ideal victims.
- Possibility 2: They exhibited underlying marital tensions, making them easier to manipulate.
What happened to the previous homeowners?
- Possibility 1: They were killed or disappeared.
- Possibility 2: They were assimilated into the cult.
Psychological & Thematic Depth
The ending plays heavily into themes of identity, trust, and the fragility of domestic security. Tom and Sasha's slow-burn manipulation mirrors real-world fears of home invasions and gaslighting. The film's conclusion forces viewers to consider how well they truly know their partners-or even themselves. The ambiguity serves as a metaphor for how relationships can be usurped by external forces, whether literal intruders or internal doubts. The final shot, where the camera lingers on a seemingly normal but eerily off moment, reinforces the idea that evil often wears a friendly face.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
I found the ending of Who Invited Them brilliantly unsettling. The slow reveal of Tom and Sasha's intentions was expertly paced, and the final confrontation was both tense and emotionally charged. However, the ambiguity might frustrate some viewers who prefer clear resolutions. Personally, I appreciate the open-endedness-it lingers in your mind, forcing you to replay earlier scenes for clues. The film's strength lies in its ability to blur the line between paranoia and reality, making the horror feel uncomfortably plausible. While not perfect (some logic gaps exist), it's a standout in the home-invasion subgenre for its psychological depth.
Final Thoughts & Legacy
Who Invited Them joins the ranks of films like The Invitation and Parasite in exploring class tensions and the terror of uninvited guests. Its ending ensures it won't be easily forgotten, sparking debates about what really happened. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale about trust or a metaphor for societal infiltration, the film's climax is a masterclass in sustained dread. If there's one flaw, it's that the lore behind Tom and Sasha's group could've been fleshed out more-but perhaps that mystery is part of the horror. Either way, it's a gripping watch with a finale that haunts you long after the credits roll.