The Cleansing Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Cleansing.
The Cleansing Ending Explained: Set in a small isolated village in 14th century Wales, Alice is a sixteen year old girl who is accused of being a witch and causing the plague that has ravaged the village, taking the lives of many, including Alice's own father. Directed by Antony Smith, this 2019 drama film stars Rebecca Acock (Alice), alongside Rhys Meredith as Tom, Simon Nehan as The Cleanser, Alison Lenihan as Victoria. Rated 4.7/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Cleansing?
Set in a small isolated village in 14th century Wales, Alice is a sixteen year old girl who is accused of being a witch and causing the plague that has ravaged the village, taking the lives of many, including Alice's own father. When it is revealed that Alice has been hiding her mother's infection, she is forced to watch The Cleanser, an ominous masked figure, brutally dispatch her mother. The town preacher and de-facto leader Tom has eyes for Alice, and subjects her to five torturous trials after she spurns his advances. Escaping the night before her execution, with the help of her mother's friend Mary, she flees into the forest and discovers the secluded hut of a mysterious healer, with his own troubled past and demons to face. He nurses her back to health, and teaches her how to exact revenge upon those that persecuted her.
Antony Smith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Rebecca Acock (Alice)'s journey. When it is revealed that Alice has been hiding her mother's infection, she is forced to watch The Cleanser, an ominous masked figure, brutally dispatch her mother.
How Does Rebecca Acock (Alice)'s Story End?
- Rebecca Acock: Rebecca Acock's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Rhys Meredith (Tom): Rhys Meredith's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Simon Nehan (The Cleanser): Simon Nehan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Cleansing Mean?
The ending of The Cleansing brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Rebecca Acock's story may not satisfy all audiences.