The Old Ways

Year: 2021

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Christopher Alender

FantasyHorror

Deep within the Veracruz jungle, journalist Cristina Lopez encounters a mysterious woman practicing ancient magic. As Cristina becomes entangled in the bruja's power, she finds the line between reality and darkness increasingly blurred. Determined to survive, she must fight to escape the jungle and reclaim her sense of self, facing a desperate struggle against forces beyond her comprehension.

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The Old Ways (2021) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how The Old Ways (2021) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

The ending of The Old Ways reveals that, although Cristina believes she has successfully vanquished the demon Postehki by performing the ritual of “the broken man,” the true horror is far from over. During the final confrontation, Cristina draws out Postehki from her cousin Miranda’s body, and in a daring act, she throws the demon’s heart towards Miranda, who then stabs it. This sacrifice appears to destroy the demon, bringing a moment of relief. However, the film suggests that the curse of the demon lingers, as Cristina’s return to her hometown does not bring peace but instead reveals the ongoing dark influence. When Carson, her senior, arrives in Veracruz, he is immediately suspected of being possessed, and Cristina, now in her role as a bruja, begins the old exorcism rituals on him too. This closing scene hints that the demonic threat has not truly been eradicated; instead, it has merely shifted hands or continued lurking in the shadows, implying that the darkness of the demon Postehki remains a persistent menace. Ultimately, the film leaves viewers with the unsettling idea that such evil may never be fully banished but only temporarily subdued, and the cycle of possession and exorcism may continue indefinitely.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44

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Folk Horror Movies with Ritualistic Ordeals like The Old Ways

Stories where ancient rituals expose deep-seated personal and cultural trauma.If you liked the blend of indigenous magic and personal demons in The Old Ways, explore more movies like it. These folk horror stories focus on ritualistic practices, cultural confrontations, and psychological descents, creating an atmosphere of oppressive dread rooted in ancient traditions.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist, often an outsider, who becomes entangled in a localized system of ancient magic or folklore. Their journey is a struggle for survival that forces them to confront a literal or metaphorical possession, blurring the lines between external threat and internal psychological trauma.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on folk rituals as a vehicle for horror, a consistently dark and oppressive tone, and the exploration of heavy themes like inherited trauma. They create a specific kind of dread that feels culturally grounded and psychologically invasive.

Claustrophobic Supernatural Survival Stories like The Old Ways

Characters trapped in a desperate fight against an incomprehensible entity.For viewers who enjoyed the desperate survival struggle and claustrophobic atmosphere of The Old Ways, this section highlights similar movies. These films feature characters trapped and fighting for their sanity against overwhelming supernatural forces, often with ambiguous outcomes.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist isolated in a confined space—be it a jungle, a house, or their own mind—facing a malevolent supernatural force. The conflict is a grueling test of endurance where the line between reality and nightmare dissolves, leading to an uncertain resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies here share a core experience: a high-intensity, claustrophobic mood, a focus on grim survival against an intangible enemy, and an emotionally heavy journey that often concludes on an ambiguous or bleak note. The similarity lies in the visceral feeling of being trapped and desperate.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Old Ways

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