The Inhabitant (2016) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The Inhabitant (2022) is a psychological horror-thriller that follows Tara, a young woman who discovers her family has a dark history of violence linked to demonic possession. The ending reveals that Tara herself is the latest vessel for this malevolent entity, which has been passed down through generations. After a series of gruesome events, Tara fully succumbs to the possession, murdering her boyfriend and embracing her fate as the new "inhabitant." The film concludes with Tara ominously staring into the camera, suggesting the cycle will continue.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Inhabitant centers on Tara's horrifying realization that she is not just a victim but the next host of the demonic force haunting her family. Throughout the film, Tara experiences disturbing visions and blackouts, which she initially attributes to mental illness or trauma. However, as she digs deeper into her family's past, she uncovers a pattern of violent behavior tied to supernatural possession. The final act confirms that her uncle, who committed atrocities years earlier, was also possessed, and now the entity has latched onto her. The twist is that Tara was never fighting an external force-she was battling the evil within herself.
The movie's closing scenes are deliberately ambiguous yet chilling. After killing her boyfriend in a frenzied state, Tara stands in front of a mirror, her reflection morphing into something inhuman. Her expression shifts from terror to a sinister smile, signaling that the demon has fully taken control. The final shot lingers on her face as she stares directly at the audience, breaking the fourth wall in a way that suggests the evil is now aware of the viewer, too. This ending leaves the door open for a sequel but also serves as a haunting commentary on inherited trauma and the inescapability of fate.
Unresolved Questions
What is the origin of the demonic entity?
- Possible Answer: The film hints at a generational curse, possibly tied to a past sin or pact made by Tara's ancestors.
- Alternative Theory: The entity could be an ancient, nameless evil that attaches itself to vulnerable bloodlines.
Is there a way to break the cycle of possession?
- Possible Answer: The movie suggests the cycle is unbreakable, as each host seems to willingly embrace the entity.
- Alternative Theory: A ritual or sacrifice might be required, but Tara's failure to resist implies futility.
What does the fourth-wall break mean?
- Possible Answer: The demon is now "aware" of the audience, implying it could jump into the real world.
- Alternative Theory: It's a stylistic choice to unsettle viewers, reinforcing that evil is always watching.
Personal Opinion
The Inhabitant delivers a sufficiently creepy ending, though it leans heavily on familiar possession tropes. The twist of Tara being the villain is effective but not entirely original. The cinematography and lead performance elevate the final scenes, making the possession feel visceral. However, the lack of deeper mythology around the demon weakens the impact-knowing more about its origins could have added weight to Tara's fate. Still, the ending's ambiguity works in its favor, leaving audiences with lingering unease. It's a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the genre.
Final Thoughts
While The Inhabitant doesn't redefine horror, its ending successfully merges psychological dread with supernatural terror. Tara's transformation from protagonist to antagonist is handled with enough tension to make the climax memorable. The film's decision to leave key questions unanswered might frustrate some, but it also ensures the story lingers in the mind. If you enjoy slow-burn horror with a sinister payoff, this movie's ending will likely satisfy-even if it doesn't fully explain itself. The lingering shot of Tara's demonic grin is the kind of unsettling image that sticks with you long after the credits roll.