Antlers
| 2021Directed by: Scott Cooper
Main Plot
Antlers follows a small-town teacher and her brother, the local sheriff, as they uncover a dark secret involving a troubled student named Lucas. Lucas lives with his abusive father, who is harboring a sinister supernatural entity linked to local folklore. As the story unfolds, the teacher becomes increasingly concerned about Lucas's well-being and the strange occurrences surrounding him. The town is plagued by mysterious disappearances and a growing sense of dread, leading the siblings to investigate the connection between Lucas's home life and the malevolent force at play. As they delve deeper, they confront the terrifying reality of the creature that feeds on human suffering, forcing them to confront their own fears and the consequences of their actions. The film explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the impact of generational abuse against a backdrop of horror and suspense.
Characters
- Keri Russell plays Julia Meadows, a schoolteacher who becomes concerned about a troubled student and uncovers a horrifying secret involving his family and a supernatural creature.
- Jesse Plemons plays Paul Meadows, a small-town sheriff investigating a series of mysterious and gruesome events linked to a young boy and his family's dark secret.
- Jeremy T. Thomas plays Lucas Weaver, a troubled young boy whose dark family secret becomes central to the horror unfolding in his small town.
Ending Explained
In the ending of Antlers, the tension culminates as the main characters confront the supernatural threat posed by the Wendigo, a creature born from the trauma and suffering of the local community. The protagonist, a teacher, discovers the truth about the creature's origins, linked to the abuse and neglect faced by a young boy, who has been harboring the Wendigo within him. As the creature becomes increasingly violent, the teacher and her brother, who is also a law enforcement officer, attempt to save the boy while confronting their own past traumas. The climax unfolds in a harrowing confrontation where they must face the Wendigo directly. The brother sacrifices himself to buy time for the teacher and the boy, showcasing the themes of redemption and the impact of familial bonds. In the end, the teacher manages to save the boy, but the cost is high. The resolution highlights the cycle of trauma and the importance of confronting one's demons. The film closes on a somber note, suggesting that while the immediate threat is neutralized, the scars of the past remain, leaving the community to grapple with the lingering effects of their shared history.