32 Malasana Street (2020) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
32 Malasana Street is a 2020 Spanish horror film directed by Albert Pintó, based on the real-life paranormal events experienced by the Olmedo family in Madrid during the 1970s. The ending reveals that the malevolent spirit haunting the family is the ghost of a former tenant, Anunciación, who was murdered by her husband after discovering his affair. The film concludes with the family barely escaping the house, though their youngest son, Ricky, remains possessed by the entity. The ambiguous final shot suggests the evil may still linger with them, leaving their fate uncertain.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of 32 Malasana Street sees the Olmedo family unraveling as the supernatural forces in their apartment grow increasingly violent. The mother, Amparo, discovers the truth about Anunciación's murder through old newspapers, learning that the woman was killed by her husband, who then framed their son, leading to the boy's suicide. This tragic backstory explains the vengeful nature of the haunting. In the final act, the family attempts to flee, but the entity's grip on Ricky proves too strong. A tense exorcism-like scene unfolds, with the father, Manolo, desperately trying to free his son from Anunciación's control. The family ultimately escapes, but the film's chilling final shot-a slow zoom into Ricky's eerily smiling face-implies that the spirit may have followed them.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers:
1. Is Ricky still possessed?
- Yes: His smile suggests the entity remains inside him.
- No: It could be a trauma-induced reaction, not supernatural.
2. Why did Anunciación target Ricky specifically?
- She identifies with him due to her own son's tragic fate.
- He's the most vulnerable, making him an easy vessel.
3. Will the family ever truly be free?
- No: The ending hints at a cyclical haunting.
- Yes: They might find help elsewhere, breaking the curse.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film:
The ending of 32 Malasana Street is effective in its ambiguity, leaving viewers unsettled rather than offering closure. While some horror films opt for definitive resolutions, this choice amplifies the terror by suggesting that evil is inescapable. The real strength of the movie lies in its slow-burn tension and historical context, though it occasionally relies on familiar haunted-house tropes. The final scene with Ricky is particularly haunting, elevating the film beyond a standard ghost story. However, the lack of a clear resolution might frustrate some audiences. Overall, it's a solid entry in the paranormal horror genre, with a chilling finale that lingers.
Themes and Symbolism:
The film explores themes of unresolved trauma, familial bonds, and the cyclical nature of violence. Anunciación's ghost represents the pain of betrayal and the inability to move on, mirroring the Olmedo family's own struggles. The apartment itself becomes a metaphor for repressed history, as the past literally bleeds into the present. The ending underscores how trauma can persist across generations, with Ricky's possession suggesting that some wounds never fully heal. The 1970s setting adds a layer of political and social tension, reflecting Spain's own haunted history during the post-Franco era.
Final Thoughts:
32 Malasana Street delivers a genuinely creepy atmosphere and a conclusion that prioritizes dread over resolution. While it may not reinvent the haunted-house genre, its grounded performances and historical inspiration make it memorable. The ending's ambiguity ensures that the horror sticks with you, leaving room for interpretation and debate. If you appreciate slow-building tension and psychological horror, this film is worth watching-just don't expect all the answers. The real terror lies in the unanswered questions, making it a standout in contemporary Spanish horror.