We Are What We Are (2013) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
We Are What We Are (2013) is a chilling horror film about the Parker family, who secretly practice ritualistic cannibalism. The ending reveals the dark culmination of their traditions as the surviving daughters, Iris and Rose, are forced to confront their family's legacy. After their mother's death, the girls are pressured by their father, Frank, to continue the rituals. The climax occurs during a flood, where Frank is killed, and Iris, now embracing the family's cannibalistic ways, drowns Rose in a bathtub as a final sacrifice. The film ends with Iris alone, symbolizing the cycle of violence and tradition continuing.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of We Are What We Are is a harrowing conclusion to the Parker family's twisted traditions. Throughout the film, the family's secret rituals are slowly unveiled, revealing that they kidnap and consume victims as part of a religious practice passed down through generations. After the mother's sudden death, the responsibility to uphold this gruesome tradition falls on the daughters, Iris and Rose, under the domineering control of their father, Frank. The final act escalates when a flood traps the family in their home, forcing a brutal confrontation. Frank, desperate to maintain control, is killed by Iris, who then turns on Rose, drowning her in a bathtub as a final offering. This act signifies Iris's full acceptance of her family's horrific legacy, leaving her as the sole survivor to carry it forward.
Symbolism and Themes
The film's ending is rich with symbolism, particularly in how it portrays the inescapability of inherited violence and tradition. The flood serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming force of the family's dark history, drowning any chance of escape for Rose, who had shown reluctance toward their practices. Iris, on the other hand, embraces the ritual, illustrating how cycles of abuse and indoctrination can corrupt even those who initially resist. The bathtub drowning is especially significant-water, usually a purifying element, becomes an instrument of death, reinforcing the twisted nature of the Parkers' beliefs. The final shot of Iris alone, staring ominously into the distance, suggests that the horror is far from over, as she has now become the new enforcer of the family's macabre customs.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Will Iris continue the family's cannibalistic rituals?
- Likely yes: Her drowning of Rose suggests complete indoctrination.
- Possibly no: The film's ambiguity leaves room for her to reject it later.
- What was the origin of the Parker family's rituals?
- Religious fanaticism: Implied to be a distorted interpretation of faith.
- Survival mechanism: A perverse tradition born from desperation.
- Did anyone outside the family suspect their crimes?
- The doctor and sheriff: Their investigations hint at suspicion but lack concrete proof.
- The townspeople: Seem oblivious, emphasizing the family's secrecy.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ending of We Are What We Are is deeply unsettling yet brilliantly executed. It doesn't offer catharsis but instead leaves the viewer with a sense of dread, emphasizing the horror of cyclical violence. Iris's transformation into the new "keeper" of the family's rituals is both tragic and terrifying, showcasing how deeply ingrained such traditions can become. The film's slow-burn tension and atmospheric dread make the climax impactful, though some may find the lack of resolution frustrating. Personally, I appreciate its boldness-it refuses to provide easy answers, forcing the audience to sit with the discomfort of its themes.
Final Thoughts
We Are What We Are is a masterclass in psychological horror, using its grim premise to explore themes of family, tradition, and corruption. The ending is a fittingly dark conclusion, leaving just enough ambiguity to linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll. Whether Iris continues the cycle or breaks free is left hauntingly unanswered, making the film's impact all the more profound. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate layered horror, it's a standout in the genre.