The House by the Cemetery Ending Explained
“The House by the Cemetery” is a classic horror film directed by Italian filmmaker Lucio Fulci. Released in 1981, the movie follows a family who moves into a new house, only to discover that it holds dark secrets and malevolent forces. As with many horror films, the ending of “The House by the Cemetery” leaves viewers with questions and a desire for further explanation. In this article, we will delve into the ending of the film and attempt to shed some light on its mysteries.
*Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for “The House by the Cemetery.”*
The film’s climax takes place in the basement of the house, where Dr. Norman Boyle, his wife Lucy, and their young son Bob confront the evil that resides within. Throughout the movie, they have been haunted by visions and encounters with supernatural entities, leading them to believe that their house is cursed.
In the final scenes, it is revealed that Dr. Boyle’s predecessor, Dr. Freudstein, has been conducting gruesome experiments in his basement laboratory for years. He has managed to prolong his life by using human organs and blood to sustain himself. The family discovers Freudstein’s preserved corpse along with other bodies hidden within the walls of their home.
As they try to escape from Freudstein’s clutches, Lucy is attacked and killed by an unseen force. Bob manages to flee but finds himself trapped in a small room with no way out. Just as all hope seems lost, a mysterious woman appears and helps him escape through a secret passage.
This enigmatic woman is revealed to be Ann, a young girl who had died years ago but has been kept alive by Freudstein’s experiments. She leads Bob to safety but disappears before he can thank her properly.
The film ends with Bob being taken away in an ambulance while his father remains behind in shock and disbelief over what has transpired. The final shot shows the house, seemingly calm and peaceful, but with an air of lingering malevolence.
So, what does the ending of “The House by the Cemetery” mean? It leaves several questions unanswered, adding to the film’s overall sense of dread and unease. One interpretation is that evil cannot be fully eradicated. Despite the family’s efforts to escape and destroy Freudstein, his presence still lingers within the house.
Another interpretation is that the cycle of horror continues. The film hints at a never-ending cycle of victims being trapped within the house, with Freudstein using their bodies to sustain himself. Bob’s rescue by Ann could be seen as a temporary reprieve, but it is unclear whether he will ever truly escape the clutches of the house.
Furthermore, the ambiguous nature of Ann’s character raises questions about her motives. Is she a benevolent spirit trying to help Bob, or does she have ulterior motives? The film deliberately leaves this open to interpretation.
Overall, “The House by the Cemetery” is a chilling horror film with an ending that leaves audiences unsettled. It explores themes of eternal evil and the cyclical nature of horror while leaving room for individual interpretation. Whether you believe in a glimmer of hope or an eternal nightmare, one thing is certain: this ending will continue to haunt viewers long after the credits roll.
