Carmilla (2019) Ending Explained
TL;DR: Carmilla (2019) is a gothic horror film based on Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 novella, reimagining the lesbian vampire myth. The ending sees Lara, a young governess, fully embracing her dark desires after being seduced by the vampire Carmilla. In a climactic scene, Lara chooses to drink Carmilla's blood, transforming into a vampire herself and rejecting her oppressive Victorian upbringing. The film concludes ambiguously, leaving Lara's ultimate fate and the extent of her newfound power open to interpretation while reinforcing themes of queer liberation, forbidden desire, and the monstrous feminine.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of Carmilla builds toward a tragic yet liberating transformation. After weeks of psychological and sensual manipulation by Carmilla, Lara-initially a naive, duty-bound governess-abandons her moral constraints. The vampire's influence awakens Lara's repressed sexuality and anger toward the patriarchal society that confined her. In the penultimate scene, Carmilla offers Lara a choice: return to her mundane life or drink her blood and become immortal. This moment mirrors traditional vampire lore but subverts it by framing vampirism as empowerment rather than damnation. When Lara drinks from Carmilla's wrist, the act is both erotic and violent, symbolizing her rejection of societal norms. The camera lingers on Lara's ecstatic expression as her eyes turn vampiric, confirming her transformation.
Symbolism and Themes
The ending crystallizes the film's central themes. Lara's transformation represents queer awakening - Carmilla seduces her not just physically but spiritually, freeing her from heteronormative expectations. The blood-drinking ritual doubles as a metaphor for sexual initiation and rebellion. Additionally, the film critiques Victorian repression; Lara's choice to become a monster is framed as preferable to living as a "proper" woman. The gothic setting-shadowy mansions, decaying aristocracy-mirrors Lara's internal decay and rebirth. Notably, Carmilla herself is both predator and tragic figure, a centuries-old vampire who recruits Lara out of loneliness, hinting at the cyclical nature of their relationship. The ending refuses to villainize either woman, instead portraying their union as a defiant act of mutual survival.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Does Lara retain her humanity after turning?
- Possibility 1: No-her smirk in the final shot suggests she's fully embraced her monstrous side.
- Possibility 2: Partially-she may struggle with guilt but ultimately succumbs to vampiric urges.
- What happens to Carmilla?
- Possibility 1: She abandons Lara, having used her as a plaything.
- Possibility 2: They form a coven, continuing their seduction of vulnerable women.
- Is Lara's transformation a metaphor for queer liberation or self-destruction?
- Liberation: She escapes societal chains.
- Destruction: She loses her moral compass entirely.
Ambiguity and Gothic Tradition
The film's open-ended conclusion aligns with gothic horror's love of ambiguity. Unlike traditional vampire tales where the monster is slain, Carmilla leaves Lara's future unresolved. Will she prey on innocents? Seek revenge against her oppressors? The lack of closure mirrors the novella's themes of unresolved desire and eternal longing. The final shot-a close-up of Lara's bloodstained smile-invites viewers to project their own interpretations. Is this a happy ending? A tragic one? The film cleverly straddles both, refusing to moralize Lara's choice. This ambiguity reinforces the idea that monstrosity and freedom are intertwined, a radical notion for a period piece.
Personal Opinion
Carmilla's ending is a masterclass in subversive storytelling. By refusing to punish Lara for her desires, the film challenges heteronormative horror tropes. The eroticism of the final scene is unsettling yet triumphant, making Lara's transformation feel like a victory. That said, the pacing of the third act could've delved deeper into Lara's psychological conflict. The novella's eerie suspense is slightly diluted by the film's lush romanticism, but this trade-off works for its modern sensibilities. Ultimately, Carmilla succeeds as both a horror film and a queer allegory, with an ending that lingers like a vampire's kiss-unforgettable and haunting.
Final Thought: The film's greatest strength is its refusal to simplify Lara's journey. Her vampirism isn't framed as purely good or evil but as a complex, liberating force-a bold choice that cements Carmilla as a standout in queer Gothic cinema.