Things Heard & Seen

The ending of Things Heard & Seen reveals a haunting intertwining of the supernatural and moral consequences of the characters’ choices. Throughout the film, Catherine’s suspicion that their house is haunted and her belief in spirits—supported by Floyd—stand in contrast to the film’s deeper philosophical undertones. According to Swedenborg’s ideas, spirits exist in an intermediate realm, reflecting our true selves rather than being inherently evil or good. This philosophical thread suggests that the supernatural elements are more about revealing inner truths than actual malevolent spirits.

In the climax, George’s moral downfall becomes undeniable. We see him alone on a boat called Lost Horizon, which symbolizes his complete mental disconnection and moral decay. The inscription hints at George’s lost state of mind—he is sinking into a metaphorical hell he has chosen through his actions. His killing of Floyd, who denied his affair and stood in moral opposition, aligns with the idea that George’s evil acts are self-inflicted, not caused by spirits. His row closer to the “gates of hell” signifies that he is willingly marching toward his moral and spiritual destruction, accepting the consequences of his own choices.

The film’s key message, reinforced by Swedenborg’s philosophy, is that evil is a consequence of personal decisions rather than external malevolence. George’s destruction is entirely his own, and the supernatural elements merely serve as a backdrop to his moral decline. In the end, Things Heard & Seen leaves us contemplating the nature of evil—how it manifests from within, shaped by our actions, and how individuals are responsible for their own damnation. George’s fate is a stark reminder that only those about to enter hell can truly see its gates, underscoring that our destiny is ultimately shaped by what we choose to be.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58