Heretic (2024), directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is a chilling psychological horror that dives deep into religion, control, and personal belief. Here’s a clear breakdown of the final scenes, themes, symbolism, and whether the film ends with ambiguity or closure.
Final Scenes & Cult Twist
Two Mormon missionaries, Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes, find themselves trapped in the home of the enigmatic Mr. Reed, who lures them into a twisted test of faith. He stages a grotesque “resurrection” of an elderly prophetwoman by switching corpses, a cruel trick meant to manipulate and break their beliefs. His goal is control, and in Reed’s eyes, religion itself is a sophisticated tool to control.
As his game begins to unravel, Paxton descends into a terrifying labyrinth of cages holding emaciated women, evidence that Reed has orchestrated this ritual many times before. The terror escalates with violence and betrayal, leading to a brutal confrontation. Reed wounds Paxton, Barnes resurfaces, and in an act that blurs the line between devotion and delusion, Barnes rescues Paxton but then collapses and dies.
Psychological Themes
At its core, Heretic interrogates the nature of belief. Is faith a comforting anchor or a weapon for someone like Reed to manipulate? The film forces its characters and the audience to wrestle with whether faith is a personal refuge or a societal shackle designed to subdue.
Paxton’s journey, scarred by trauma and suspicion, underscores a deeper exploration of agency, not just what one believes, but why one believes.
Meaning Behind the Symbolism
The butterfly at the end is striking and symbolic. Paxton had once expressed a hope to return after death as a butterfly landing on a loved one’s hand. In the final shot, she sees a butterfly briefly land on her, suggesting a moment of transcendence or spiritual consolation. Then, it is gone, vanishing as mysteriously as it appeared.
This sequence echoes the film’s major themes. Perhaps some signs of faith or connection are real, or perhaps they are comforting illusions. The beauty lies in what Paxton sees and feels, whether objectively true or not.
Ambiguity vs. Closure
The ending deliberately avoids neat answers. The story is left open-ended, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs rather than offering a definitive stance. The butterfly is not clearly real or unreal. It is a moment open to interpretation, whether it was Barnes’ spirit, a manifestation of faith, or simply a dreamlike vision offering hope.
What It Means for the Characters
- Sister Paxton emerges changed, not just physically but emotionally. She is wounded yet resolute, her faith transformed but not extinguished.
- Barnes’ final act suggests that love, sacrifice, or belief, even when shattered, can transcend cruelty and control.
- Mr. Reed represents the dark side of ideology, belief weaponized, and the ruthless quest for power cloaked in philosophical debate.
Why Heretic Resonates
Heretic does not offer comforting morality lessons. Instead, it creates unsettling space for introspection about the nature and vulnerability of belief. With its haunting visuals, compelling performances, and provocative ambiguity, the film invites you to consider what you believe, and why.