The Banishing Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Banishing (2020) is a supernatural horror film that follows a family moving into a haunted mansion with a dark history tied to a cult. The ending reveals that the house is a sentient entity that feeds on fear and trauma, manipulating its inhabitants. The protagonist, Marianne, attempts to save her daughter but ultimately becomes trapped in the house's cycle of torment, while her husband is driven to madness. The film concludes ambiguously, leaving the fate of the characters open to interpretation, with the house continuing its malevolent existence.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Banishing sees Marianne (Jessica Brown Findlay) desperately trying to rescue her daughter, Adelaide, from the house's grip after uncovering its horrific past. The house, once a convent where a cult performed rituals, is revealed to be a living entity that feeds on the suffering of its occupants. Marianne's husband, Linus (John Heffernan), succumbs to the house's influence, becoming violent and unhinged. In a final confrontation, Marianne attempts to break the cycle by confronting the entity, but the house's power proves too strong. The film ends with Marianne seemingly trapped in a nightmarish loop, while Adelaide's fate remains uncertain. The final shot implies the house continues its reign of terror, waiting for new victims.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- What happened to Adelaide?
- Possibility 1: She escaped but remains haunted by the experience.
- Possibility 2: She was absorbed by the house, becoming another lost soul.
- Is Marianne truly trapped, or is there hope for her?
- Possibility 1: She is forever stuck in the house's illusion, reliving her trauma.
- Possibility 2: Her love for Adelaide gives her a chance to break free in a sequel.
- What is the house's ultimate goal?
- Possibility 1: It exists purely to feed on fear and suffering.
- Possibility 2: It seeks to manifest physically into the world.
Themes & Symbolism
The ending reinforces themes of cyclical trauma and the inescapability of evil. The house represents unresolved pain, feeding on those who cannot confront their past. Marianne's struggle mirrors real-life battles with grief and guilt, making her defeat all the more tragic. The film's ambiguity leaves room for interpretation-whether the house is a literal demonic force or a metaphor for psychological torment. The use of religious imagery (the cult, the cross) suggests a battle between faith and corruption, with evil ultimately prevailing.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The Banishing delivers a chilling yet somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. While the atmosphere and performances are strong, the ending feels abrupt and underdeveloped. Marianne's fate is bleak, which fits the horror genre but leaves little catharsis. The film's strength lies in its eerie setting and psychological tension, but the lack of a definitive resolution may frustrate some viewers. That said, the ambiguity works in its favor, leaving the audience haunted by unanswered questions-much like the characters. It's a solid entry in the haunted house subgenre, though not groundbreaking.
Final Thoughts
The ending of The Banishing is a grim meditation on the persistence of evil and the futility of escape. By leaving key questions unanswered, the film lingers in the viewer's mind, but this also risks feeling incomplete. The house's victory is a classic horror trope, reinforcing the idea that some horrors are inescapable. Whether you appreciate the ambiguity or crave closure, the film's unsettling finale ensures it won't be easily forgotten.