Pyewacket (2017) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Pyewacket is a 2017 supernatural horror film about a grieving teenager, Leah, who performs a dark ritual to summon the demon Pyewacket to kill her mother after a heated argument. The ending reveals that Pyewacket has been manipulating Leah all along, making her believe her mother is dead when, in reality, she is alive. The film concludes with Leah accidentally killing her actual mother in a fit of paranoia, realizing too late that she's been tricked by the demon. The final scene leaves Leah screaming in horror as she grasps the irreversible consequences of her actions.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Pyewacket is a masterclass in psychological horror and tragic irony. After performing the ritual, Leah begins experiencing terrifying visions and paranormal activity, leading her to believe her mother has been replaced by a malevolent entity. The film builds tension through eerie sequences where Leah's mother acts increasingly strange, deepening her suspicion. The final confrontation occurs when Leah, convinced her real mother is dead and that the woman in her house is Pyewacket in disguise, bludgeons her to death with a rock. Only then does she discover a hidden letter from her mother, revealing she had planned a reconciliation trip-proving the “entity” was her real mother all along.
This twist underscores the film's central theme: grief and anger blinding us to reality. Leah's unresolved trauma over her father's death fuels her hatred for her mother, making her an easy target for Pyewacket's manipulation. The demon doesn't kill her mother directly; instead, it exploits Leah's emotional instability, guiding her to commit the act herself. The horror lies not in jump scares but in the devastating realization that Leah's actions were based on a lie, and her mother's love was genuine all along.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Was Pyewacket ever physically present, or was it all in Leah's mind?
- Possibility 1: The demon was real, manipulating events to drive Leah to murder.
- Possibility 2: Leah's guilt and mental breakdown manifested the paranormal occurrences.
Why didn't the occult book warn Leah about Pyewacket's deceit?
- Possibility 1: The book was part of the demon's trap, omitting crucial details.
- Possibility 2: Leah misinterpreted the warnings due to her emotional state.
What happens to Leah after the ending?
- Possibility 1: She is arrested or institutionalized.
- Possibility 2: Pyewacket claims her soul as payment for the ritual.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of Pyewacket is devastatingly effective because it subverts expectations. Instead of a typical supernatural showdown, the real horror is human nature-how rage and sorrow can distort perception. The slow-burn pacing pays off in the final act, where the audience, like Leah, pieces together the truth too late. The film's strength lies in its atmospheric dread and nuanced performances, especially Nicole Muñoz as Leah, who portrays grief and desperation convincingly. However, some may find the minimalistic approach unsatisfying if they expected more overt demonic action. Personally, I appreciate the psychological depth, making it a standout in the folk horror genre.
Final Thoughts
Pyewacket is a meditation on regret, showing how irreversible actions stem from unchecked emotions. The ending's bleakness lingers, leaving viewers haunted not by a monster, but by the tragic consequences of Leah's choices. It's a reminder that sometimes the real demons are the ones we create ourselves.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely-but only if you're prepared for a slow, cerebral horror experience rather than cheap thrills. The film's power lies in its quiet terror and the chilling final revelation.