There's Something Wrong with the Children

In the final moments of “There’s Something Wrong with the Children,” Margaret faces a terrifying choice. After discovering that the children—possessed by a sinister, supernatural force—have been reanimated and are part of an alien entity feeding on human souls, she confronts her own fears of losing her independence and sanity. The “bright place” was revealed to be the alien’s lair, a place where they trap and duplicate human bodies before sending them back to Earth to multiply their presence and dominate humanity. This creature, fed by human life and souls, had effectively infiltrated the children, turning them into agents of its horrifying plan.

As Margaret fights to escape, she encounters her own husband, Ben, who is no longer the man she knew but possessed by the same spirit controlling the children. The alien has its grotesque grip on him, and he, too, desires Margaret to join their dark family. But she refuses to succumb, fighting off Ben and the children in a desperate bid to free herself. In a tense, final act of defiance, Margaret manages to push the possessed children into the abyss of the hole, which glows with an eerie green light — symbolizing the alien’s energy source. Her act of rebellion halts their plans temporarily, allowing her to escape in her car.

However, the story ends ambiguously and violently. As Margaret drives away, she looks ahead and sees Ben, Spencer, and Lucy—still holding hands, waiting in a sinister line, as if they are with the alien. Margaret’s decision to fight rather than surrender underscores the film’s social commentary on autonomy and the refusal to accept destructive societal pressures, especially regarding motherhood and conformity. Ultimately, “There’s Something Wrong with the Children” suggests that the true horror lies not just in the supernatural entities but in societal fears and prejudices against mental health, non-traditional choices, and the denial of individual agency. The film leaves viewers questioning whether the threat has truly been eradicated or if the horror will persist, lurking in the shadows, ready to resurface.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00