After the chaos of the ritual, those tied to its dark magic disappeared, likely returning to Hell forever, which is a relief from the demonic teenagers hunting Cole. Despite that, the ending feels bittersweet because Bee, who seemed to have orchestrated everything to tie up loose ends, only appears briefly to say a heartfelt goodbye to Cole and Phoebe. She seems genuinely happy to see them safe and to see Cole with someone who cares for him, indicating some degree of remorse or at least a desire for redemption. The book used to start the ritual, however, remains intact and fluttering in the breeze after everything else has vanished, suggesting it still exists and holds power—its fate uncertain, and it could be used again in the future.
In the aftermath, it seems like things are returning to normal—Cole's father finally remembers what happened, and Cole appears to have found some peace, no longer labeled as crazy. However, the reality is more complicated. Cole’s social struggles likely haven't disappeared; his reputation and the suspicions surrounding the ritual could lead to another investigation, especially since other bodies from the ritual are still out there. Phoebe, who survived because of Bee’s intervention, can corroborate his story, but without widespread belief, Cole might still face isolation and ridicule in high school, especially with Phoebe's unconventional entry into his class. His chances of escaping this cycle until college seem slim, leaving open the possibility for future movies where the story might continue.
A surprising twist reveals that Bee, who appeared to be just a demon, was actually involved in a deeper, more complex deal. She used to babysit Phoebe, who was the daughter of people she was responsible for killing in a car crash—an accident Bee caused and then struck a deal with the devil to save Phoebe’s life. This adds a layer of tragic sacrifice to her character, hinting that she isn’t merely evil but a pawn in a larger, sinister game. Throughout the movie, Bee tries to recruit her friends for another ritual, which suggests she might still be working for the devil or a higher power, possibly aiming to accumulate more souls or find a way to come back. The final scene featuring the open, fluttering pages of the book leaves the door open for her return or for dark magic to resurface, especially since her actress's return was kept secret.
In the end, the film is about confronting trauma and seeking closure. Cole finds some peace through a final moment with Bee, who, despite her dark past, appears to want to make amends in her own way, and through his father finally believing him. Phoebe, though emotional about her parents, finds comfort in her bond with Bee, who helped her survive. Both characters are now in a better place emotionally, ready to start anew, but they carry the scars of their ordeal. The ending suggests that while their trauma might never completely fade, they have gained the strength to move forward, hinting at potential new stories where darkness could reemerge, especially if the powerful book falls into the wrong hands again.
