Wastelander

The ending of The Wasteland reveals that the creature known as “The Beast” is not a literal supernatural monster, but rather a symbol of the characters’ deeply rooted fears and trauma. Throughout the film, Lucia and Diego become increasingly convinced that the Beast is stalking their homestead, feeding off their fear. Lucia’s mental state deteriorates as her paranoia grows, especially after Salvador’s death, leading her to believe she must protect herself and her son from an evil creature.

In the final moments, Diego confronts The Beast face-to-face, bravely standing against it. After engaging with the creature, Diego drags his injured mother outside and sets the homestead on fire, symbolically destroying their haunted home and their fears. He then leaves her behind, but not before catching one last glimpse of The Beast. This ending suggests that the monster is more a reflection of their internal suffering than an actual being—an embodiment of their loneliness, vulnerability, and grief, especially after Salvador’s loss.

Ultimately, Lucia succumbs to her wounds, likely inflicted upon herself in her descent into fear and madness, while Diego, having faced his fears, manages to escape the nightmare. The film’s conclusion emphasizes that while Diego has confronted and survived his fears, the trauma and fears represented by The Beast will probably stay with him, especially as he ventures into a harsh, war-ravaged world. The mysterious, ambiguous ending leaves viewers pondering whether the fears have truly disappeared or will continue to haunt him.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:01