Eloise (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Eloise (2017) reveals that Jacob, one of the protagonists, was actually a ghost all along, having died in the asylum years prior. The film's climax uncovers the dark history of Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, where patients were subjected to horrific experiments. The twist exposes that Delilah, the main character, was manipulated by Jacob's spirit to uncover the truth about his death and the asylum's atrocities. The movie concludes with Delilah escaping the asylum but leaving viewers questioning the nature of reality and the lingering presence of the dead.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of Eloise culminates in a series of shocking revelations that recontextualize the entire narrative. Delilah, who has been investigating the abandoned Eloise Psychiatric Hospital to find her estranged father's death certificate, discovers that her companion, Jacob, is not a living person but a ghost who died in the asylum decades earlier. This twist is delivered through a series of clues scattered throughout the film, such as Jacob's outdated knowledge of the world and his eerie familiarity with the asylum's layout. The realization that Jacob has been guiding Delilah to uncover the truth about his death and the hospital's dark past adds a layer of tragedy to the story.
The asylum's history is finally exposed in gruesome detail, revealing that patients were subjected to inhumane experiments, including lobotomies and other torturous procedures. Jacob was one of these victims, and his spirit remained trapped in the asylum, seeking justice or closure. The film's climax sees Delilah confronting the asylum's malevolent forces, including the ghost of a nurse who perpetuated the atrocities. The tension builds as Delilah narrowly escapes the asylum, but the ending leaves ambiguity about whether she has truly freed herself or if the asylum's horrors will continue to haunt her.
One of the most compelling aspects of the ending is its exploration of memory, trauma, and the unresolved pain of the dead. Jacob's ghost is not a traditional villain but a tragic figure trapped by his unfinished business. The film suggests that the spirits of the asylum are not merely vengeful but are desperate for their stories to be told. Delilah's journey becomes a metaphor for uncovering buried truths, both personal and historical. The ending implies that some wounds never fully heal, and the past can exert a powerful influence on the present, even from beyond the grave.
Unresolved Questions
Is Delilah truly free, or is she still haunted?
- The film's final shots suggest she has escaped, but her traumatized expression hints at lingering psychological scars.
- Alternatively, the asylum's curse may have followed her, leaving room for a sequel.
What was the full extent of the experiments at Eloise?
- The movie hints at lobotomies and psychological torture, but the exact scope is left vague.
- Were there other victims like Jacob whose stories remain untold?
Why was Jacob able to interact with the living so effectively?
- Some ghosts in horror films are bound by rage or sorrow, but Jacob seemed almost corporeal at times.
- Was Delilah particularly susceptible to spiritual influence due to her own unresolved trauma?
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film
Eloise is a underrated psychological horror film that excels in atmosphere and mystery. The twist regarding Jacob's true nature is executed well, though seasoned horror fans may see it coming. What makes the ending impactful is not just the revelation but the emotional weight behind it - Jacob's ghost isn't evil but pitiable, a victim seeking closure. The film's weakest point is its pacing, which drags in the middle, but the payoff is worth it. The final scenes leave just enough ambiguity to be unsettling without feeling unsatisfying. Overall, Eloise is a solid entry in the haunted asylum subgenre, blending supernatural scares with a poignant exploration of trauma and memory.
The ending's ambiguity is both a strength and a weakness. While it leaves room for interpretation, some viewers may crave more concrete answers about the asylum's history and Delilah's fate. Nevertheless, the film succeeds in delivering a chilling conclusion that lingers in the mind, much like the ghosts of Eloise themselves. If you enjoy slow-burn horror with emotional depth, Eloise is a worthwhile watch, even if it doesn't revolutionize the genre.