Along Came the Devil (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR
Along Came the Devil (2018) is a supernatural horror film about a teenage girl, Ashley, who becomes possessed by a demon after participating in a séance. The ending reveals that Ashley's aunt, Tanya, orchestrated the possession to resurrect her own deceased daughter, Jordan, by allowing the demon to take over Ashley's body. In the final scenes, Ashley (now fully possessed) kills her father and prepares to sacrifice her friend, Sydney, to complete the ritual. The film ends ambiguously, leaving Ashley's ultimate fate unresolved while suggesting the demon's victory.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Along Came the Devil revolves around Ashley's complete possession by the demonic entity known as "Mr. Devil." Throughout the film, Ashley experiences terrifying visions, violent outbursts, and disturbing physical transformations, all hinting at the demon's growing control over her. The final act reveals that her aunt, Tanya, has been manipulating events from the start, using Ashley as a vessel to bring back her own daughter, Jordan, who died years earlier. Tanya believes that by allowing the demon to fully possess Ashley, Jordan's spirit can be resurrected in her place.
In the penultimate scene, Ashley's father, Pastor John, attempts an exorcism to save her, but it fails catastrophically. The demon, now fully in control, brutally murders John, leaving no hope for Ashley's salvation. The final moments show the possessed Ashley preparing to sacrifice her best friend, Sydney, in a ritualistic manner, implying that the demon's influence is now permanent. The film closes on an ominous note, with Ashley's fate left ambiguous but heavily implying that she is irreversibly lost to the demon.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Was Ashley ever truly herself after the séance, or was she always being manipulated?
- Possible Answer: The demon likely began influencing her immediately, but her consciousness fought back until the final possession.
- Alternative Theory: Ashley was a vulnerable host from the start, making her an easy target for the demon.
Did Tanya succeed in bringing back Jordan, or was she deceived by the demon?
- Possible Answer: The demon tricked Tanya into thinking Jordan could return, but it only wanted a new host.
- Alternative Theory: Jordan's spirit is trapped within Ashley, but the demon is dominant.
What happens to Sydney?
- Possible Answer: She is sacrificed, completing the demon's ritual.
- Alternative Theory: She escapes, setting up a potential sequel.
Is there any hope for Ashley's soul?
- Possible Answer: No, the exorcism failed, and the demon has full control.
- Alternative Theory: A future exorcism could still free her, but the film suggests otherwise.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Along Came the Devil follows many familiar possession-horror tropes but stands out due to its familial betrayal twist. The ending is effective in its bleakness, refusing to offer a last-minute salvation for Ashley. However, the film's reliance on jump scares and predictable demonic imagery weakens its impact. The revelation about Tanya's motives is intriguing but could have been explored deeper. Overall, the movie is a decent entry in the genre, though not groundbreaking. The ambiguous ending leaves room for interpretation, but a more conclusive resolution might have been more satisfying.
Final Thoughts on Themes & Symbolism
The film explores themes of grief, manipulation, and the dangers of dabbling in the occult. Tanya's desperation to revive her daughter mirrors real-world struggles with loss, making her villainy somewhat tragic. The demon's gradual takeover of Ashley symbolizes how evil can exploit vulnerability, especially in those seeking connection. While the execution is flawed, the underlying message about the consequences of unchecked despair and supernatural tampering resonates. The ending's ambiguity ensures lingering unease, leaving viewers to ponder whether evil truly won-or if there's still a sliver of Ashley trapped inside.