The ending of “Something in the Dirt” leaves viewers with more questions than answers. The film’s ambiguous conclusion has sparked various interpretations and theories.
“Something in the Dirt”, directed by Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson, is a 2022 science-fiction horror film. It blends psychological thriller, horror, and dark comedy elements. The film’s ending is particularly enigmatic, prompting much discussion and analysis.
Plot Overview
The story follows Levi Danube, a bartender who moves into a Los Angeles apartment. He meets John Daniels, a freelance wedding photographer. They become friends and start noticing supernatural events in Levi’s apartment. Their quest to understand these occurrences leads to bizarre and unsettling events.
Levi and John discover a connection between the number 1908 and some reel-to-reel audio tape recorders under their building. They decode a Morse code message that leads them to a beach. They believe this beach holds the answers to the mysteries they have been investigating. However, the film ends without a clear resolution, leaving the audience to ponder the significance of their discoveries.
Theories and Interpretations
Several theories have emerged to explain the film’s ending:
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Supernatural Loop: One theory suggests that Levi and John are trapped in a never-ending loop. They endlessly relive their experiences. This idea is supported by the film’s themes of time distortion and reality manipulation. The characters repeatedly encounter supernatural phenomena (High on Films).
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Alternate Dimension: Another theory posits that the artifact they discovered has otherworldly powers. It might transport them to an alternate dimension. This interpretation is based on the film’s exploration of reality and illusion. The characters’ increasing paranoia and uncertainty about their surroundings also support this theory (Repeat Replay).
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Psychological Struggle: A more metaphorical interpretation suggests that the film’s events represent the characters’ psychological struggles. Levi’s journey can be seen as a metaphor for confronting his own demons. The final scene, where Levi and John stand on the beach, could symbolize a moment of catharsis and acceptance (Endante).
Character Analysis
The film’s characters play a crucial role in shaping its ambiguous narrative:
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Levi Danube: Portrayed by Justin Benson, Levi is a vulnerable man. He becomes increasingly entangled in the supernatural events. His character arc mirrors his struggle to find meaning in the bizarre occurrences. This leads to his psychological unraveling.
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John Daniels: Played by Aaron Moorhead, John is a narcissistic individual. He is obsessed with his own theories about the supernatural phenomena. His character critiques America’s obsession with strange phenomena without much scientific awareness. John’s actions and theories drive much of the film’s plot, leading to the duo’s final, ambiguous discovery (High on Films).
Themes and Symbolism
“Something in the Dirt” explores several themes and employs various symbols to enhance its narrative:
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Curiosity and Obsession: The film scrutinizes human curiosity and the consequences of unlocking hidden secrets. Levi and John’s obsession with the supernatural phenomena leads them down a path of paranoia and uncertainty. They ultimately question their own sanity.
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Reality and Illusion: The film blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The audience constantly questions what is real and what is a figment of the characters’ imagination. This theme is reinforced by the film’s ambiguous ending and the characters’ increasing paranoia.
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Power and Control: The film also touches on themes of power and control. John uses his theories and knowledge to manipulate Levi. This dynamic reflects broader societal issues of power and control, particularly in the context of scientific and supernatural phenomena.
Conclusion
“Something in the Dirt” is a provocative and enigmatic film. Its ambiguous ending, complicated characters, and exploration of themes such as curiosity, reality, and power make it a compelling viewing experience. The various interpretations of the film’s ending highlight its depth. The directors, Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson, skillfully crafted a narrative that is both unsettling and intellectually stimulating.
