A Banquet

The ending of “A Banquet” leaves us with a powerful image of Holly being enveloped in a bright white light, which can be interpreted as a symbol of divine grace or spiritual salvation. Throughout the film, Holly’s love for her daughter and her desperate attempts to protect her are evident, even as Betsy becomes increasingly convinced she is chosen for a higher purpose. The film explores themes of possession, faith, and the blurred lines between supernatural and divine intervention.

As the story unfolds, Betsy’s supernatural experience in the woods and her subsequent behavior are shown to have a possible hereditary or psychological link to her mother’s past, particularly her own childhood possession and treatment in a psychiatric facility. Holly’s own actions—mumbling incantations and sharing her faith—point to her being a vessel for a divine or demonic force, blurring the line between salvation and possession.

The final moment, with Holly covered in light, suggests that she may have either been saved by divine grace or become one with a divine force, possibly sacrificing herself or being granted spiritual transcendence. This ambiguous ending emphasizes the film’s overarching themes—how faith, love, and trauma intertwine, and how the line between mortal suffering and spiritual salvation can be indistinct. Ultimately, the film invites viewers to interpret whether Holly’s fate is one of divine salvation or if she has succumbed to a supernatural force, leaving the true meaning open to personal reflection.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00