Regression

The ending of Regression reveals a dark and complex web of manipulation and misdirection. Angela, who initially appears to be a victim, turns out to have orchestrated her own story of abuse to seek revenge against her father, John, who she resents for his alcoholism. Her motivations are rooted in her desire to escape her troubled teenage life, and she cleverly manipulates those around her—planting false memories and influencing the investigation. This manipulation even extends to Detective Kenner, who becomes entangled in her web of lies, partly through her kiss, which was actually a ploy to blackmail him and ensure his silence. Meanwhile, Angela’s father, John, despite being accused and tortured by the allegations, chooses to plead guilty and take responsibility for crimes he did not commit. His decision reflects his growth and willingness to atone, even through wrongful imprisonment. The film also explores the fragility of perception and the power of hysteria, exemplified by Kenner’s nightmares that reveal how easily ideas can be implanted through suggestion. The overall message critiques the hysteria of Satanic panic and regression therapy, illustrating how easily people can be led astray by disturbing stories and collective fear. The film ultimately leaves viewers questioning what is real and emphasizes that stories, especially the gruesome and salacious ones, are often accepted more readily than the truth. The ending underscores the idea that manipulation, falsehoods, and hysteria can cause even the most tragic and disturbing situations to be accepted as fact, revealing a disturbing truth about human psychology and societal hysteria.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44