Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) concludes with the youngest daughter, Doris, fully possessed by the malevolent spirit Marcus, while her sister Lina and their mother Alice are seemingly freed. However, the post-credits scene reveals that Lina is now also possessed, setting up a tragic cycle of horror. The film ends with the family's fate unresolved, hinting at the origins of the evil spirit and its lingering influence.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Ouija: Origin of Evil sees Doris (Lulu Wilson) completely overtaken by the demonic spirit of Marcus, a sadistic Nazi scientist who conducted experiments on children during World War II. After a series of terrifying events, Lina (Annalise Basso) and Alice (Elizabeth Reaser) attempt an exorcism-like ritual to free Doris, believing they've succeeded when the spirit appears to leave her body. However, the relief is short-lived - Doris, now fully corrupted, murders Father Tom (Henry Thomas) and seemingly kills Alice before turning on Lina. The film's final moments show Lina escaping with Doris, now wearing a mask to conceal her monstrous transformation, implying a bleak future for the sisters.
The post-credits scene, set years later, reveals an older Lina (played by Lin Shaye, linking the film to Ouija 2014) now possessed herself, hosting a new séance. This twist suggests that the evil spirit never truly left the family but instead transferred to Lina, continuing its cycle of torment. The ending implies that Marcus' evil is inescapable, reinforcing the film's themes of inherited trauma and the inescapability of the past. The final shot of Lina's hollow, sinister smile confirms that the horror persists, leaving audiences with a chilling sense of dread.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- What happened to Alice?
- Possibility 1: She died in the struggle with Doris, her body never found.
- Possibility 2: She survived but was institutionalized, unable to stop the curse.
- Why did the spirit choose Doris first?
- Possibility 1: Her innocence and grief made her vulnerable.
- Possibility 2: Marcus targeted her as the youngest, easiest to manipulate.
- Could the spirit have been stopped permanently?
- Possibility 1: No-it's an ancient, cyclical evil.
- Possibility 2: Yes, but the family's incomplete knowledge doomed them.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of Ouija: Origin of Evil is effective because it subverts expectations-just when the audience thinks the horror is over, the post-credits twist confirms the evil's persistence. The cyclical nature of the possession adds depth, making it more tragic than a simple “good vs. evil” story. Director Mike Flanagan elevates the material with atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from Lulu Wilson, who embodies both innocence and menace flawlessly. While the film improves upon its lackluster predecessor, the ending's bleakness might frustrate viewers seeking resolution. However, it succeeds as a chilling, open-ended horror tale that lingers in the mind.
Final Thoughts
Ouija: Origin of Evil stands out as a rare prequel that surpasses the original, thanks to its emotional weight and well-crafted scares. The ending's ambiguity and haunting final shot ensure the story stays with the audience, leaving room for interpretation while solidifying its place as a standout supernatural horror film. The unresolved fate of the family reinforces the idea that some evils are inescapable, making the film's conclusion as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.