The Ending of “Here Before” Explained: A Reddit Discussion
“Here Before” is a psychological thriller film that has left audiences puzzled and intrigued. The movie, directed by Stacey Gregg, follows the story of a grieving mother, Laura, played by Andrea Riseborough, who becomes convinced that her new neighbors’ daughter is the reincarnation of her own deceased daughter. As the plot unfolds, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and uncertainties, leading to a mind-bending ending that has sparked numerous discussions on Reddit.
The film begins with Laura and her husband, Brendan, played by Jonjo O’Neill, moving into a new neighborhood with their son, Tadhg, portrayed by Lewis McAskie. Laura is still struggling with the loss of her daughter, Josie, and is haunted by memories of her. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets the neighbors, Marie and Chris, played by Eileen O’Higgins and Martin McCann, and their daughter, Megan, portrayed by Niamh Dornan.
Laura becomes convinced that Megan is the reincarnation of Josie, as she notices striking similarities between the two girls. She starts obsessively watching Megan, documenting her every move, and even going as far as breaking into their house to gather evidence. Laura’s obsession escalates, causing tension between her and Brendan, who believes she is losing touch with reality.
As the movie progresses, Laura’s obsession intensifies, and she becomes increasingly isolated from her family and friends. She starts to question her own sanity, wondering if she is imagining the similarities between Megan and Josie. The audience is left wondering whether Laura’s suspicions are valid or if they are merely a manifestation of her grief and guilt.
The climax of the film occurs when Laura confronts Marie about her suspicions. Marie denies any connection between Megan and Josie, insisting that Laura is projecting her own desires onto the situation. This confrontation leads to a heated argument, and Laura is forced to confront the possibility that she may be wrong.
In the final act of the movie, Laura’s world unravels as she discovers the truth about Megan. It is revealed that Megan is not the reincarnation of Josie but is, in fact, Marie’s biological daughter. Laura’s obsession and paranoia have caused her to misinterpret the situation, leading to devastating consequences.
The ending of “Here Before” is open to interpretation, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. Some viewers believe that Laura’s obsession with Megan is a metaphor for her inability to let go of her grief and move on from the loss of her daughter. Others argue that the film explores the blurred lines between reality and perception, highlighting the dangers of unchecked obsession.
The ambiguity of the ending has sparked numerous discussions on Reddit, with users sharing their theories and interpretations. One Reddit user, u/MovieBuff123, suggests that Laura’s obsession with Megan represents her fear of forgetting Josie and losing her memory. They argue that Laura’s desperate need to find similarities between the two girls is a way for her to hold on to her daughter’s memory.
Another user, u/PsychThrillFan, proposes a different theory, suggesting that the film is a commentary on the power of grief and how it can distort one’s perception of reality. They argue that Laura’s obsession with Megan is a manifestation of her guilt and regret over not being able to protect Josie.
The discussions on Reddit also delve into the symbolism and visual cues throughout the film. Users point out recurring motifs, such as the color red, which is often associated with Laura’s obsession and the blurred lines between reality and imagination. Others analyze the use of mirrors and reflections, suggesting that they represent Laura’s fractured state of mind.
While the ending of “Here Before” may leave some viewers frustrated, it is clear that the film’s intention is to provoke thought and discussion. The open-ended nature of the conclusion allows for multiple interpretations, making it a perfect topic for debate on platforms like Reddit.
In conclusion, “Here Before” is a psychological thriller that explores themes of grief, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and perception. The film’s ending leaves audiences with more questions than answers, sparking numerous discussions on Reddit. Whether it is a metaphor for the inability to let go of grief or a commentary on the power of obsession, “Here Before” is a thought-provoking film that will continue to captivate audiences long after the credits roll.
