What Lies Below

The ending of What Lies Below reveals a shocking transformation: the seemingly charming and human-looking John Smith is actually a fish-human hybrid from a mysterious other species. Throughout the movie, Libby uncovers clues about his true nature, recognizing that his allergy to saltwater and studying lampreys point to his aquatic origins. In the climactic scene, she finds her mother trapped in a water tank, being forced by John to give birth to a hybrid creature. She manages to escape briefly, but in a cruel twist, Libby wakes up in a similar tank, with John pouring a strange blue light into her mouth—signaling that he has successfully impregnated her as well.

This creature, a grotesque mix of human and fish that recalls Lovecraftian horror, demonstrates that John is part of a broader, sinister race intent on impregnating women to propagate their monstrous legacy. His physical appearance and actions are reminiscent of the creatures from stories like The Shadow Over Innsmouth, emphasizing themes of bodily invasion and the loss of autonomy. The film leaves Libby’s fate ambiguous but suggests she might be resigned to her new reality, possibly becoming another hybrid. Her seemingly serene smile at the end implies she may accept her new role, yet her future appears grim, especially since her mother is most likely dead, replaced by one of the fish-people’s hybrids. Ultimately, the film serves as a dark commentary on hidden evil lurking behind a charming facade, warning viewers to be wary of appearances and to believe victims when they reveal the truth. The ending underscores how dangerous it can be to ignore the monstrous beneath the surface, especially when human bodies and autonomy are being exploited for nefarious purposes.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00