The Darkness (2001) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Darkness (2016) is a supernatural horror film about the Taylor family, who inadvertently bring malevolent Native American spirits back from the Grand Canyon. The movie ends with the family barely escaping the spirits' curse, but the final scenes imply that the darkness has not been fully vanquished. The son, Michael, who was the primary target of the spirits due to his autism, is seemingly free, but subtle hints suggest the evil may still linger. The film concludes with an ambiguous tone, leaving room for interpretation about whether the family's ordeal is truly over or if the darkness will return.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Darkness sees the Taylor family - Peter, Bronny, and their children Michael and Stephanie-desperately trying to break the curse of the Anasazi spirits that have haunted them since their vacation. The spirits, representing the "Darkness," are drawn to Michael due to his vulnerability and connection to the supernatural. In the final act, the family performs a ritual to banish the spirits by returning the stolen artifacts Michael took from the Grand Canyon. They believe this act will sever the connection, but the spirits retaliate violently, nearly claiming Michael. The family barely escapes the house, which is consumed by flames, symbolizing a purification of the evil.
However, the ending is deliberately ambiguous. In the final scenes, the family moves into a new home, attempting to rebuild their lives. Michael appears to be free from the spirits' influence, but subtle clues-such as flickering lights and eerie sounds-hint that the darkness may not be entirely gone. The film's conclusion leaves viewers questioning whether the evil was truly banished or if it has merely retreated, waiting for another opportunity to strike. This uncertainty is a common trope in horror films, designed to leave a lingering sense of dread.
Unresolved Questions
- Is the darkness truly gone?
- Possibility 1: Yes, the ritual worked, and the spirits were destroyed in the fire.
- Possibility 2: No, the darkness is eternal and has just gone dormant, waiting for another weak moment.
- Why was Michael the primary target?
- Possibility 1: His autism made him more susceptible to supernatural influence.
- Possibility 2: The spirits saw him as a vessel due to his innocence.
- What was the significance of the artifacts?
- Possibility 1: They were direct conduits for the spirits' power.
- Possibility 2: They were merely symbols, and the real evil was the family's unresolved trauma.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
While The Darkness had potential with its Native American folklore and family drama, the execution fell flat for me. The ending, though attempting to be unsettling, felt rushed and lacked the emotional payoff needed after the buildup. The ambiguity could have worked if the rest of the film had stronger character development or deeper horror elements. Instead, it relied too much on jump scares and clichés. That said, the concept of an ancient evil preying on familial vulnerability was intriguing, and the final moments did leave me wondering-which is more than some horror films accomplish.
Final Thoughts
The Darkness is a mixed bag. It tries to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements but doesn't fully commit to either. The ending's ambiguity is its strongest aspect, but the film as a whole needed sharper writing and more atmospheric dread to make it truly memorable. If you enjoy slow-burn horror with an open-ended conclusion, it might work for you-but don't expect a masterpiece.