Goodnight Mommy

In the climax of “Goodnight Mommy,” the truth about Elias and Lukas’s reality is revealed. Elias, who has been struggling with his mental health throughout the film, finally uncovers that Lukas is actually dead. Their childhood memories, the mysterious behavior of their mother, and the strange occurrences all stem from Elias’s fractured mind. The twins’ mother, who initially appeared as a changed version of herself, was never truly the same person; she was a surrogate for Elias’s guilt and fears. When Elias discovers Lukas’s blood-stained shirt in the barn, he comes to realize that his brother was accidentally shot and killed by him during a play, an event that shattered his family and caused their separation. This traumatic memory surfaces as Elias’s own hallucination, where Lukas is alive and trying to manipulate him. As Elias confronts the truth and faces his guilt, he pushes her down, unintentionally causing her death. The barn then catches fire, symbolizing the destruction of Elias’s denial and the tragic ending of their family. Ultimately, it is revealed that Elias created the imaginary version of Lukas to cope with his traumatic guilt because he could not accept that he was responsible for his brother’s death. The film ends on a bleak note, emphasizing how Elias’s inability to confront reality and communicate with his family contributed to this dark and tragic outcome.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44