The Boogeyman

*The ending of “The Boogeyman” reveals that the family’s struggle with grief has manifested in a literal, monstrous form. Throughout the film, the creature known as the Boogeyman represents the pain and trauma that each family member is trying to grapple with after Cara’s death. The monster feeds on their sadness and fears, with Lester Billings’ death hinting that the creature is drawn to unresolved grief. When Sadie and Sawyer confront the monster in the basement, they realize that the only way to truly defeat it is to face their pain and let go of their emotional baggage. Sadie’s act of burning Cara’s belongings symbolizes their acceptance of her loss and a step toward healing.

In the final moments, Sadie uses her mother’s lighter and the gasoline to set the basement—the site of her family’s trauma—on fire. As the flames consume the monster and Cara’s possessions, it seems to indicate that the family is finally releasing their grief and trauma. However, the ending leaves some ambiguity, as Sadie’s belief that the monster has been destroyed is questioned. When she returns to the therapist’s office, she finds no one there, and her suspicion grows that the monster—or the trauma it embodied—may still be lurking beneath the surface. The film suggests that pain and trauma are persistent, complex, and not easily eradicated, but confronting them — symbolized by burning the belongings and facing the monster— is the only way to begin healing. The ending emphasizes the importance of confronting grief rather than avoiding it, as the true “monster” is the unresolved feelings that continue to haunt us.*

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57