Susan Hill's Ghost Story (2019) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
The ending of Susan Hill's Ghost Story (also known as The Woman in Black) reveals that Arthur Kipps' efforts to lay the vengeful spirit of Jennet Humfrye to rest have failed. Despite reuniting her with her lost son, Nathaniel, and seemingly breaking the curse, Jennet's wrath persists. The film concludes tragically as Arthur, believing he's safe, reunites with his own son, Joseph, only for both to die in a train accident-implied to be Jennet's final act of vengeance. The ending underscores the theme of inescapable grief and the cyclical nature of horror, leaving the audience with a chilling sense of hopelessness.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Susan Hill's Ghost Story hinges on Arthur Kipps' desperate attempt to end the curse of the Woman in Black, Jennet Humfrye. After discovering the truth about her son Nathaniel's death and her subsequent suicide, Arthur realizes that Jennet's spirit lingers because she was never able to properly mourn her child. In a pivotal moment, Arthur and Sam Daily (his skeptical but supportive ally) recover Nathaniel's body from the marsh and bury it in Jennet's arms within the Eel Marsh House. This act seems to bring Jennet peace, as the ghostly apparitions cease, and Arthur believes the curse is broken. However, the film's final twist reveals that Jennet's vengeance is far from over.
The resolution is deliberately ambiguous yet deeply unsettling. Arthur, relieved and optimistic, returns to London and reunites with his young son, Joseph. As they board a train, Arthur notices the Woman in Black standing on the platform, staring at them with malice. Seconds later, the train derails in a horrific accident, killing Arthur and Joseph. The final shot shows Jennet watching the wreckage, confirming that she orchestrated their deaths as retribution for Arthur's interference. This ending subverts the traditional horror trope of the protagonist triumphing over evil, instead delivering a bleak message about the futility of fighting supernatural forces fueled by unresolved grief.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
Why did Jennet kill Arthur and Joseph despite Arthur's efforts to help her?
- Possible Answer: Jennet's rage is boundless; her grief has twisted into pure malice, making her incapable of forgiveness or gratitude.
- Alternative Interpretation: The curse was never about reuniting with Nathaniel but about inflicting the same pain she endured on others.
Could the curse have been broken another way?
- Possible Answer: Perhaps if someone had acknowledged Jennet's suffering earlier, her spirit might have moved on peacefully.
- Alternative Interpretation: The curse was always inevitable, tied to the house itself rather than Jennet's personal vendetta.
What does the ending say about the nature of grief and vengeance?
- Possible Answer: The film suggests that grief, when left unresolved, consumes everything-even those who try to help.
- Alternative Interpretation: Vengeance, once set in motion, cannot be undone, making tragedy cyclical.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
The ending of Susan Hill's Ghost Story is one of the most devastating in horror cinema precisely because it refuses to offer redemption. Unlike many ghost stories where the protagonist escapes or defeats the spirit, this film embraces nihilism - Arthur's kindness and bravery mean nothing in the face of Jennet's eternal wrath. This choice makes the horror linger long after the credits roll, as it forces the audience to grapple with the idea that some evils cannot be reasoned with or appeased. The film's gothic atmosphere, coupled with its slow-burn tension, makes the finale all the more impactful. While some may find the ending excessively bleak, it's a masterstroke in reinforcing the story's themes of loss and inevitability.
Final Thoughts on the Film's Legacy
Susan Hill's Ghost Story (and its film adaptation The Woman in Black) endures as a classic because of its uncompromising vision. The ending doesn't just shock-it devastates, leaving viewers with a profound sense of dread. It's a reminder that horror isn't always about survival; sometimes, it's about the inescapable. The film's exploration of parental grief, vengeance, and the supernatural resonates deeply, making it more than just a ghost story but a tragic meditation on sorrow. While it may not offer closure, its unrelenting darkness ensures it remains unforgettable.