The Calling (2014) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Calling (2014) is a psychological crime thriller starring Susan Sarandon as Detective Hazel Micallef, who investigates a series of murders linked to a ritualistic killer. The ending reveals that the killer, Simon (played by Donald Sutherland), is a former priest who believes he is fulfilling a divine mission to resurrect the dead by recreating biblical miracles. The film concludes with Hazel confronting Simon in a tense showdown, leading to his death and the resolution of the case. However, the ending leaves lingering questions about faith, morality, and whether Simon's actions had any supernatural significance.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of The Calling occurs when Hazel finally tracks down Simon to an isolated farmhouse. Simon, who has been murdering people in a twisted attempt to perform miracles and bring the dead back to life, reveals his delusional belief that he is acting on God's will. His final act involves attempting to resurrect his own deceased wife, using Hazel as a witness to his "miracle." The confrontation is intense, with Hazel refusing to play into his madness. In the ensuing struggle, Simon is fatally wounded, and Hazel is left to grapple with the psychological and emotional fallout of the case. The film ends with Hazel returning to her small-town life, forever changed by the horrors she has witnessed.
Unresolved Questions:
1. Was Simon truly delusional, or was there a supernatural element to his actions?
- The film intentionally leaves this ambiguous. Simon's killings follow a biblical pattern, but there is no concrete evidence of miracles.
- Some viewers might interpret his conviction as a sign of mental illness, while others could argue the film hints at something darker and unexplainable.
What was the significance of Hazel's personal struggles throughout the film?
- Hazel's alcoholism and strained relationships mirror her internal conflict between duty and despair. The ending suggests she finds a measure of closure, but it's unclear if she fully heals.
- Her final scene, sitting alone in a church, implies a lingering spiritual crisis.
Why did Simon target specific victims?
- Each victim represented a biblical figure or miracle, but the film doesn't delve deeply into why these particular people were chosen.
- This lack of clarity might be intentional to emphasize the randomness of evil or the fragility of human life.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film:
The Calling is a slow-burn thriller that relies heavily on atmosphere and character depth rather than action or jump scares. The ending is satisfying in terms of narrative closure but leaves enough ambiguity to provoke thought. Susan Sarandon delivers a compelling performance as Hazel, a flawed but determined protagonist. However, the film's pacing can feel uneven, and some plot points are underdeveloped. The exploration of faith and obsession is intriguing, but the execution sometimes falls short of its potential. Overall, it's a decent thriller with a haunting ending, though it may not resonate with viewers seeking a more straightforward resolution.
Final Thoughts:
The ending of The Calling is a mix of resolution and open-ended reflection. Simon's death brings the immediate threat to an end, but the philosophical and spiritual questions raised by his actions linger. Hazel's journey-from a disillusioned detective to someone forced to confront the nature of evil-is the emotional core of the film. While the movie isn't perfect, its themes of redemption, faith, and the cost of obsession make it a thought-provoking watch. The ambiguity of the ending ensures that it stays with the audience long after the credits roll.