Regression (2015) Ending Explained

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By Lila Reelman
June 17, 2025

TL;DR
Regression (2015), directed by Alejandro AmenĂ¡bar, is a psychological thriller exploring false memory syndrome, mass hysteria, and police coercion. The film follows Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) as he investigates allegations of satanic ritual abuse in a small town. The ending reveals that all the accusations were fabricated through coercive interrogation techniques, and the supposed "memories" were implanted. The final scenes show Kenner realizing his own complicity in the hysteria, while the accuser, Angela (Emma Watson), remains haunted by her false memories. The film leaves viewers questioning the reliability of memory and the dangers of unchecked authority.


Detailed Explanation of the Ending

The climax of Regression occurs when Detective Bruce Kenner uncovers the truth behind the satanic ritual abuse allegations. Throughout the film, Angela and others claim to have repressed memories of horrific abuse, but Kenner gradually realizes these "memories" were implanted through suggestive questioning and hypnosis. The film's twist reveals that psychologist Dr. Kenneth Raines (David Thewlis) used unethical techniques to extract false confessions, leading to mass hysteria. The ending scene shows Kenner confronting Angela in a diner, where she still clings to her fabricated memories, illustrating how deeply false beliefs can take root. The film concludes with Kenner resigning from the police force, disillusioned by his role in the scandal.

Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers

  1. Why did Angela continue to believe her false memories?

    • Possible Answer: Trauma and psychological manipulation made the implanted memories feel real.
    • Possible Answer: She may have subconsciously used the accusations to escape her abusive father.
  2. Did the police and Dr. Raines knowingly manipulate witnesses?

    • Possible Answer: Raines may have genuinely believed in repressed memory theory.
    • Possible Answer: The police might have been desperate for a high-profile conviction.
  3. What happened to the accused after the truth came out?

    • Possible Answer: They were likely released, but their reputations were ruined.
    • Possible Answer: Some may have faced lingering suspicion despite being innocent.
  4. Was there ever any real satanic cult activity, or was it entirely fabricated?

    • Possible Answer: The film suggests it was entirely a product of hysteria.
    • Possible Answer: A real abuser (like Angela's father) may have exploited the panic.
  5. Why did Kenner resign instead of exposing the truth publicly?

    • Possible Answer: He felt guilty for his role in the coercion.
    • Possible Answer: The system was too corrupt to reform from within.

Themes & Symbolism in the Ending

The ending of Regression reinforces its central themes of memory manipulation, institutional failure, and moral ambiguity. The diner scene, where Angela stares blankly at Kenner, symbolizes how false narratives can persist even after the truth is revealed. Kenner's resignation represents the collapse of his faith in justice, mirroring real-life cases like the McMartin preschool trial, where coerced testimonies led to wrongful convictions. The film's muted, gray cinematography in the final scenes underscores the bleakness of a truth that offers no real resolution or redemption.

Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film

Regression is a thought-provoking but flawed film. The ending is effective in its ambiguity, leaving viewers unsettled about the nature of memory and justice. However, the pacing drags in the middle, and some characters feel underdeveloped. Ethan Hawke delivers a strong performance as the morally conflicted detective, but Emma Watson's role is somewhat one-dimensional. The film's greatest strength is its critique of how authority figures-police, therapists, and the media-can manufacture hysteria. While not as impactful as similar films like The Hunt (2012), Regression succeeds as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind trust in institutions.

Final Thoughts & Legacy

Regression may not be a masterpiece, but its ending lingers due to its unsettling realism. The film draws from real-life cases of false memory syndrome, making its conclusion all the more disturbing. By refusing to provide neat closure, the movie forces viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about truth, justice, and psychological manipulation. It's a slow burn that rewards patience, though its impact depends on the viewer's tolerance for ambiguity. Ultimately, Regression serves as a grim reminder of how easily fear and suggestion can distort reality, leaving scars that never fully heal.