It's impossible to deny the chilling effect that The Lodge has on its audience. With its haunting atmosphere and psychological twists, this 2019 psychological horror film directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala has left viewers on the edge of their seats.
But what if I told you that there is an alternate ending to this bone-chilling tale?
A conclusion that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters and their motivations.
In this article, I will explore the alternative ending to The Lodge and delve into the depths of the human psyche.
Brace yourself for a journey into the unknown as we unravel the mysteries of this gripping film.
The new ending
As the snowstorm rages on, Grace, Aiden, and Mia find themselves trapped in the isolated lodge. The tension between Grace and the children escalates, and their already fragile relationship begins to crumble.
Grace's past trauma resurfaces, and she becomes increasingly paranoid and unstable.
One night, as they huddle together for warmth, Grace discovers a hidden compartment in the lodge's basement. Inside, she finds a collection of old photographs and newspaper clippings. The pictures depict a family, seemingly happy and content, but the articles reveal a dark secret.
The family's father was a cult leader who orchestrated a mass suicide, leaving behind only one survivor – a young girl named Grace.
Shocked and disturbed, Grace confronts Richard, demanding answers. He confesses that he was once a member of the cult but left before the tragic event occurred. He had hoped to shield Grace from her past, but the truth has finally caught up with them.
As the days pass, Grace's mental state deteriorates further. She becomes convinced that the spirits of the cult members are haunting the lodge, seeking revenge for their deaths. Aiden and Mia, terrified by their mother's descent into madness, try to escape, but the blizzard outside prevents them from leaving.
In a desperate attempt to protect her children, Grace decides to perform a ritual she believes will appease the vengeful spirits. She gathers the children in the basement, surrounded by candles and symbols drawn on the floor.
As she begins the ritual, the lodge starts to shake violently, and the temperature drops to an unbearable level.
Suddenly, the lodge's front door bursts open, and Laura, Richard's ex-wife, appears. She had been searching for them, worried about their safety. Laura's arrival interrupts the ritual, and the spirits' presence dissipates.
Grace, Aiden, and Mia are left bewildered, unsure of what just transpired.
In the aftermath, Grace realizes that her paranoia and obsession with the cult's spirits were manifestations of her own guilt and trauma. She had been projecting her fears onto the children, pushing them away in an attempt to protect them from her own darkness.
With Laura's support, Grace seeks therapy and begins the long process of healing. Aiden and Mia, relieved to have their mother back, slowly rebuild their relationship with her. The lodge becomes a symbol of their shared trauma, but also a reminder of their resilience and the strength of their bond.
The film ends with Grace, Aiden, and Mia leaving the lodge behind, ready to face the world together. The audience is left with enigmas yet to be explained about the power of guilt, the complexities of family dynamics, and the lasting impact of past traumas.
Questions for discussions
I have imagined other alternative endings for 'The Lodge'; check the link below or in the sidebar.
If you want to know the complete story, visit this article:
The lodge movie / synopsis + complete story - TH1 2020
Maybe you just want to understand the story and ending:
The lodge movie explained / understanding the ending and story - TH1 2020
Or maybe you haven't watched it and are trying to figure out if the movie is for you:
Unraveling the mind, a haunting tale of isolation and desperation - TH1 2020
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