The Last Hunt Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Last Hunt.
The Last Hunt Ending Explained: Cody and Daniel have taken the same hunting trip for over 20 years. Directed by Matthew Daddario, this drama film stars Matthew Daddario (Matthias), alongside Tanaya Beatty as Crystal, Brock Harris as Daniel, Creed Garnick as Cody. With a 10/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Last Hunt?
Cody and Daniel have taken the same hunting trip for over 20 years. Somewhere along the way, however, Cody ate some bad venison and became infected with "prions," a protein that cause other proteins to fold improperly in the brain, a disease referred to as 'Spongiform Encephalitis.' As his symptoms worsened, Daniel's ex-girlfriend Crystal positioned herself as caretaker, and the two of them live in a trailer on the outskirts of town. Daniel arrives at Crystal's to take Cody on their annual hunt, though it is clear Cody is no longer "all there." Daniel suits up the delusional man anyhow, and they take to the woods. Crystal wakes to find a VHS tape in Cody's place. Horrified, she pops it in the VCR and watches the disturbing content. In the footage, Daniel explains that upon Cody's diagnosis, they made a pact: once Cody's sanity slips and he is no longer himself, Daniel is to put him down. Today is the day he intends to hold up his end of the deal.
Matthew Daddario's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Matthew Daddario (Matthias)'s journey. Somewhere along the way, however, Cody ate some bad venison and became infected with "prions," a protein that cause other proteins to fold improperly in the brain, a disease referred to as 'Spongiform Encephalitis.
How Does Matthew Daddario (Matthias)'s Story End?
- Matthew Daddario: Matthew Daddario's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Matthew Daddario delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 16m runtime.
- Tanaya Beatty (Crystal): Tanaya Beatty's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Brock Harris (Daniel): Brock Harris's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Last Hunt Mean?
The Last Hunt concludes with Matthew Daddario reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Matthew Daddario leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.