A Cure for Wellness

The ending of A Cure for Wellness reveals that Dr. Volmer, who appeared to be an eccentric wellness doctor, is actually a centuries-old mad scientist and nobleman. He survived over 200 years thanks to a secret elixir made from the life cycles of eels living in the aquifer beneath the spa—creatures that are part of a symbiotic cycle involving the bodies of his wealthy patients. These patients unwittingly become part of Volmer’s experiments, which he manipulates to produce the fountain of youth, allowing him to extend his own life.

The film exposes Volmer’s dark past, showing his obsession with creating a master race through genetic manipulation of his daughter, Hannah, who is his biological daughter and also a slow-aging individual because of the elixir. His ultimate goal is to produce a superior, inbred human population. To push Hannah into full maturity, he temporarily withholds the potion, attempting to accelerate her aging so she can eventually breed with the genetically superior offspring he aims to produce.

In the climax, Lockhart discovers these gruesome truths and confronts Volmer. He attempts to rescue Hannah, who is caught in the middle of her father’s twisted plans. When Lockhart kills Volmer and allows Hannah to escape, the film hints at the tragic cycle of greed, power, and human hubris that led to the original doctor’s madness and the continuation of his experiments.

Essentially, the movie’s message is a critique of modern society’s obsession with wealth and longevity. It suggests that the rich and powerful are their own worst enemies, knowingly or unknowingly perpetuating a cycle of corruption, greed, and self-destruction. The ending leaves viewers contemplating whether Lockhart truly escapes or if he has been metaphorically hypnotized by Volmer’s influence, as some critics interpret the ambiguous final scenes. Despite mixed reviews about the conclusion, the film offers a disturbing reflection on how society’s pursuit of eternal youth can be rooted in moral decay and the destructive consequences of unchecked scientific obsession.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00