The Cured (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Cured (2017) is a post-apocalyptic horror film set in a world recovering from a zombie virus outbreak. The ending sees Senan, a cured former zombie, killing his brother-in-law Conor to protect his sister-in-law Abbie and her son from being used as test subjects for a new vaccine. The film concludes with Senan and Abbie fleeing Ireland for France, leaving behind a society still grappling with fear, discrimination, and the moral dilemmas of the cure. The ambiguous final shot suggests the virus may still pose a threat, leaving the future uncertain.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of The Cured revolves around Senan's moral and emotional turmoil as he discovers that Conor, his brother-in-law and a fellow cured zombie, has been secretly working with the government to experiment on Abbie and her son. Conor believes that using their immunity to the virus could help create a vaccine, but Senan sees this as a betrayal and a violation of their family. In a tense confrontation, Senan kills Conor, realizing that the cured are still treated as monsters by society and that true safety lies in escape. The film ends with Senan and Abbie boarding a boat to France, seeking refuge in a country where the cured are reportedly accepted. The final shot lingers on Senan's face, hinting at lingering effects of the virus or the possibility of relapse, leaving the audience to question whether true cure or peace is possible.
Unresolved Questions:
1. Does Senan still carry the virus?
- The final shot suggests he might be experiencing residual effects, implying the cure isn't perfect.
- Alternatively, it could symbolize his guilt and trauma rather than a physical relapse.
2. Will Abbie and Senan find safety in France?
- France might be a sanctuary, or it could be another flawed system.
- The film's themes suggest discrimination might follow them.
3. What happens to the remaining cured in Ireland?
- The government's experiments could lead to further oppression or a successful vaccine.
- The cured might revolt, echoing the film's themes of societal collapse.
Themes and Symbolism:
The ending underscores the film's exploration of discrimination, trauma, and the cyclical nature of violence. The cured zombies are ostracized, mirroring real-world issues like stigma against marginalized groups. Senan's actions reflect the desperation of those pushed to the fringes, while Abbie's decision to flee with him shows the breakdown of trust in institutions. The boat to France symbolizes hope but also uncertainty, as the characters trade one set of dangers for another. The film's bleak tone suggests that even in a post-apocalyptic world, humanity's greatest enemy is itself.
Personal Opinion:
The Cured is a compelling twist on the zombie genre, focusing less on gore and more on psychological and societal horror. The ending is appropriately ambiguous, refusing to offer easy answers. Senan's arc-from victim to protector to potential threat-is haunting, and the film's critique of systemic oppression resonates deeply. However, the pacing can feel sluggish, and some characters, like Conor, could have been fleshed out more. The final shot is chilling but may frustrate viewers seeking closure. Overall, it's a thought-provoking film that lingers in the mind, even if it doesn't fully satisfy narratively.
Final Thoughts:
The Cured leaves its audience with more questions than answers, a deliberate choice that reinforces its themes of uncertainty and moral ambiguity. The ending is a powerful commentary on the cycles of fear and violence, suggesting that the real infection isn't the virus but humanity's inability to heal from its own prejudices. While not a traditional horror film, its unsettling conclusion ensures it stays with you long after the credits roll.