Dear Santa

At the end of Dear Santa, Liam’s story takes a fantastical turn that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Throughout the film, Liam believes he has encountered Satan, who grants him wishes, but it’s revealed that the figure he thought was Satan is actually a demidemon or demogorgon, a mischievous entity pretending to be the devil. Liam’s initial desire was to fix things in his life—he wishes Emma would give him a chance and later hopes to repair his friendship with Gibby, even wishing for his brother to return. These wishes appear to come true, with Emma agreeing to see him at the concert and Gibby’s teeth being fixed, illustrating how kindness and hope can seem rewarded.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s a deeper, symbolic meaning behind Liam’s hopes. The “resurrection” of his brother may not be literal but a reflection of his desire to believe in something greater, to hold onto the hope of reconnecting with his lost sibling, or simply his wish for a better life. Whether Liam’s brother is truly alive again or a manifestation of his longing and imagination is left ambiguous—possibly a dream or a psychological construct—especially as Liam eventually ends up in a psychiatric hospital. The final scenes, with Liam rushing to embrace his brother and a mysterious pony and cherub appearing, suggest a magical, almost dreamlike resolution. The demidemon, who had appeared as Satan, explains that he’s no longer welcome in Liam’s life and hints that Liam’s true journey is to choose his own path forward, one rooted in faith, trust, and hope.

Ultimately, Dear Santa leaves viewers pondering whether the fantastical elements were real or a subconscious manifestation of Liam’s hopes and fears. The film encourages believing in the impossible, valuing the people around us, and trusting that good things can happen if we keep faith—whether that faith is in others, in ourselves, or in something larger than life. The ending suggests that Liam’s genuine wish—perhaps symbolized by his connection to his brother or a renewed sense of hope—is fulfilled in a way that resonates with the magic of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of trust and the power of believing in what might be beyond our understanding.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03