The Night House (2020) is a psychological horror film that has captivated audiences with its eerie atmosphere, intricate plot, and haunting ending. Directed by David Bruckner and starring Rebecca Hall, the movie delves into themes of grief, the supernatural, and the mysteries of the afterlife. This article aims to explain the complex and thought-provoking ending of “The Night House.”

Plot Overview

The film follows Beth, portrayed by Rebecca Hall, who is reeling from the unexpected suicide of her husband, Owen. In the days following his death, she begins to experience disturbing occurrences in the lakeside home he built for her. She discovers cryptic notes, strange photographs, and architectural anomalies in the house, leading her to uncover Owen’s dark secrets and a mysterious past.

The Ending Explained

The Mirror House

One of the central elements of the film’s climax is the discovery of a “mirror” version of Beth’s house. This structure, located across the lake, is an inverse of her own home. This mirror house symbolizes the duality of Owen’s life and the hidden truths that Beth uncovers. It’s a physical representation of the hidden, darker side of Owen’s life that Beth was unaware of.

Owen’s Secrets

Beth’s investigation into Owen’s past reveals that he had been plagued by supernatural visions and encounters with a ghostly presence, which he believed to be a manifestation of death. These experiences drove him to commit acts he couldn’t understand or control. His suicide is suggested to be an act to protect Beth from this supernatural entity.

The Supernatural Entity

The movie hints at a supernatural entity that has latched onto Owen and, after his death, begins to haunt Beth. This entity can be interpreted in several ways: as a literal ghost, a metaphor for grief and depression, or as a manifestation of Owen’s guilt and secrets. In the film’s climax, Beth confronts this entity in the mirror house, leading to a chilling revelation.

The Revelation

In the final scenes, Beth confronts the truth about her husband and herself. She realizes that the ghostly presence was not only connected to Owen but also to her own near-death experience in her youth. The entity represents a link between life and death, and Owen’s efforts to understand or confront it ultimately led to his demise.

The Open-Ended Conclusion

The Night House ends on an ambiguous note. Beth survives her encounter with the supernatural but is left with more questions than answers. The film concludes with her looking out over the lake, symbolizing her ongoing struggle with the mysteries she’s uncovered and her unresolved grief.

Interpretations

The ending of “The Night House” is open to interpretation, with various themes interwoven throughout the narrative. It can be seen as a commentary on the nature of grief, the unknowable aspects of our loved ones’ lives, and the thin veil between life and death. The movie challenges viewers to contemplate the impact of loss and the unseen forces that can shape our lives.

Conclusion

The Night House leaves its audience pondering long after the credits roll. Its ending is a complex tapestry of grief, horror, and existential dread, masterfully woven together by David Bruckner’s direction and Rebecca Hall’s compelling performance. The film invites multiple viewings and interpretations, ensuring its place as a thought-provoking piece in the genre of psychological horror.