House of Spoils

The ending of “House of Spoils” reveals that the haunted house and its surrounding garden are the remnants of a dark history and a misunderstood woman who once lived there. The spirit haunting the property is actually that of an old woman, a healer and herbalist, who was wrongly accused of witchcraft and murdered by fearful villagers. She used her knowledge of plants and magic to help others, not harm, but her community saw her as evil and took her life. Over time, her spirit became bound to the house, waiting for someone who could understand her true nature.

In the story, Chef, a talented woman chef who arrives at the abandoned house to start her new restaurant, begins to connect with the place and its history. Her encounters with supernatural forces, including the old woman’s ghost, lead her to understand the real story behind the haunting. She learns that the house demands respect for its history and the feminine knowledge that the old woman embodied. By embracing her own fierce, intuitive side—symbolized by her developing gardening skills and her connection to the spirit—Chef becomes able to harness the house’s supernatural energy. She begins to use ingredients from the haunted garden, which are infused with the spirit’s essence, creating flavorful and unique dishes that impress her critics and partner Andreas.

The climax of the film shows Chef fully stepping into her power, wearing a ring that belonged to the old woman, and confidently preparing a spectacular dinner that embodies her newfound strength. In doing so, she saves her restaurant, transforming it into a successful and enchanting culinary space that honors the old woman’s legacy. Through her acceptance of the wild, feminine energy of the house and the spirit within, Chef not only heals the house’s troubled past but also asserts her place as a leader—one who is unafraid to be a little wild and break free from societal expectations. The film ends with her smiling slyly, having embraced her role as a modern witch of sorts, blending magic, womanhood, and culinary art into a powerful new beginning.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03