In the realm of fantasy and folklore, witches have played various roles and have been portrayed differently in different cultures. While some witches were seen as evil and malevolent creatures, others were depicted as wise and benevolent individuals who possessed magical powers. In this context, the concluding witch represents the final enchantress or magic practitioner in a particular story or narrative. The concluding witch is often the one responsible for resolving conflicts, bringing about closure and tying up loose ends in the storyline. In many tales, the concluding witch possesses an extraordinary power or knowledge that allows them to bring about resolution and restore balance to the narrative. They may possess a specific magical artifact, possess an ancient key, or have exclusive knowledge of a spell or incantation that is essential for the resolution of the conflict at hand.
“That came from my moviemaking story sense,” Zemeckis says. “It was a beat that a movie needs so that both the grandma and our hero mice have their big showdown with the Grand High Witch. I think it makes [Grandma] a rounded character. The young boy describes her in the beginning of the movie that she’ll give you a big, old hug or a spanking if you needed one. She’s a strong, opinionated Southern American woman who isn’t going be run over by a witch. It was important to see her character do what she needed to do.”
Robert Zemeckis new adaptation, released last week on HBO Max, makes several key changes to the story and setting, but maintains the core plot of Dahl s work, including the hero s fate. Warning The following article contains spoilers for the latest adaptation of Roald Dahl s novel The Witches, currently streaming on HBO Max, including a discussion of the ending.
They may possess a specific magical artifact, possess an ancient key, or have exclusive knowledge of a spell or incantation that is essential for the resolution of the conflict at hand. The concluding witch may also serve as the moral compass of the story, guiding the protagonist or other characters towards the path of righteousness. Through their wisdom and discernment, they often provide guidance and impart valuable life lessons to other characters, ultimately leading them to a fulfilling resolution.
Can we talk about the ending of *The Witch* (2015)?
The ending of *The Witch* is weird. Really, freaking weird. And kinda out of nowhere. Quick little summary of the ending, avoid the next paragraph if you haven't seen the movie yet:
After losing her entire family, our heroine, Thomasin realizes the goat, Black Phillip is Satan. She takes up Satan's offer to "live deliciously" and joins a coven of witches. A coven that was never once alluded to in the entire film.
Now, before I continue I need to say that I don't really care for this movie. Personally, I think most of the praise is do to it being an original movie. The production value's great and I respect Eggers' use of period-accurate dialogue, but there's a lot more I disliked. Thomasin doesn't do anything between losing the baby and killing her mother in self-defense. Anya Taylor-Joy did a good job, but the lack of focus on Thomasin made her arc feel under-developed. The film also tries the old "maybe magic, maybe mundane" trope but fails to pull it off. I don't want to go off on a tangent about that so just ask me for an example in the comments if you want one.
With that out of the way, let's discuss why this ending is so bizarre. Throughout the film, we are only shown one witch. One. She appears in a series of short cutaway scenes doing stuff like making baby guacamole and other magic stuff that could really just be eft-up versions of folk medicine. She is never shown with company. And, again, nothing prior to the ending indicates that there is another witch, let alone a coven, in the film.
It's so strange and out of nowhere. This would be like if at the climax of Jaws the boat isn't attacked by Bruce but by a whole pack of sharks with no clear connection to Bruce. It takes the hour-and-a-half of build up and throws it out the window.
It has been four years since I've seen this movie and I'm still perplexed as to why no one ever brings up the ending. It is so out of nowhere. So, can someone who liked this movie, please give me some feedback about what they thought of the ending or just send me a link to an article interpreting the ending?
Additionally, the concluding witch often represents the archetypal figure of the wise old woman or crone. This archetype encompasses traits such as wisdom, intuition, and a deep connection with nature and the mystical world. The crone is typically depicted as someone who has lived a long and fulfilling life, gathering vast knowledge and experiences that they can share with others. The concluding witch serves as a reminder of the transformative power of wisdom and knowledge. They often emphasize the importance of self-reflection, personal growth, and the exploration of one's true potential. Through their actions, the concluding witch encourages others to embrace their inner strength and embark on their own transformative journeys. In summary, the concluding witch represents the final magical figure in a story who brings about resolution and closure. They possess knowledge, wisdom, and often serve as a moral compass for other characters. Through their guidance and transformative power, they inspire personal growth and lead others towards fulfillment..
Reviews for "Last of Her Kind: Unraveling the Tale of the Concluding Witch"
1. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "The Concluding Witch". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The supposed twists and turns were underwhelming and lacked any real surprise. I found myself getting bored with the story midway through and struggled to finish it. Overall, it was a lackluster conclusion to what could have been a captivating series.
2. David - 2 out of 5 stars - As a fan of the previous books in the series, I had high hopes for "The Concluding Witch". Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was slow, and the story seemed to drag on without any real direction. The characters, whom I had grown to love, lacked depth and development in this final installment. It was a disappointing end to what had initially promised to be an exciting and immersive fantasy series.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I have to say, "The Concluding Witch" left me feeling unsatisfied. The writing style was inconsistent, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The plot felt rushed and poorly executed, leaving many loose ends untied. I was hoping for a satisfying conclusion to the series, but instead, I was left with unanswered questions and a feeling of disappointment. The potential was there, but it was ultimately unrealized.