The ending of Vivarium depicts Gemma succumbing to illness and exhaustion, while Tom finally completes the grotesque task of burying the alien creature born from their imposed isolation. The film concludes with Tom dying soon after, and the malevolent child, now a young adult, taking on the role of the real estate agent Martin, trapping a new couple within the nightmarish confines of house number 9.
The Cyclical Nature of Existential Horror
The ending of Vivarium, directed by Lorcan Finnegan, isn’t simply a plot resolution; it’s a stark and unsettling symbolic representation of inescapable cycles of conformity, societal pressure, and the crushing weight of predetermined existence. Gemma and Tom’s struggle to escape their designated lot ultimately proves futile, underscoring the film’s bleak worldview. Their demise, followed by the alien child perpetuating the same cycle, reinforces the idea that the Vivarium is a metaphor for societal traps and the difficulty of breaking free from them.
The film doesn’t offer catharsis or a triumphant escape. Instead, it doubles down on the unsettling premise, showing that the system, represented by the alien entity, is self-perpetuating. Martin’s assimilation into the human world, becoming the real estate agent, showcases the insidious nature of this system – it seamlessly integrates, waits, and then traps new victims in the same desolate reality. This perpetuation is what makes the ending so profoundly disturbing. It highlights the lack of agency and the seemingly impossible odds of escaping the predetermined paths laid out for us, be they societal norms, career expectations, or the very roles we play within our families.
The act of burying the child, albeit a horrifying creature, becomes a final, desperate attempt by Tom to assert some form of control over his situation. It’s a physical manifestation of his rebellion, however twisted and ultimately ineffective. However, completing this task only leads to his own demise, further solidifying the film’s fatalistic message. Gemma’s death is equally significant; she succumbs to exhaustion and illness, representing the draining effect of the Vivarium on the human spirit.
The concluding shot, with Martin enticing a new couple into house number 9, cements the cyclical nature of the horror. The film ends where it began, suggesting that the Vivarium isn’t a localized anomaly but rather a representation of a broader, more pervasive system. The implication is clear: the cycle will continue, with new victims trapped and consumed by the same existential despair.
Unpacking the Symbolism: What Does It All Mean?
Vivarium thrives on ambiguity and metaphorical storytelling. To truly understand the ending, it’s crucial to delve into the symbolism embedded within the narrative.
The Significance of the Title
The title itself, Vivarium, is telling. A vivarium is an enclosed area for keeping and raising animals or plants for observation or research. In the film, Gemma and Tom are essentially specimens in an experiment, their lives meticulously observed and manipulated by an unseen force. This highlights the theme of being trapped and controlled, contributing significantly to the unsettling impact of the ending.
The Numbers and the Patterns
The recurring number 9 and the monotonous, identical houses represent the suffocating predictability and conformity of modern life. These patterns strip away individuality and reinforce the idea of a predetermined path. This conformity ultimately leads to Gemma and Tom’s downfall as they are unable to break from this pattern.
The Grotesque Child
The child, with its unsettling mannerisms and unnatural growth, embodies the anxieties of parenthood and the burden of responsibility. It demands constant attention and provides no genuine connection, reflecting the draining effect of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to traditional family roles. His eventual transformation into Martin, the real estate agent, highlights how these anxieties can be internalized and perpetuated.
The Portal
The portal that appears in the houses serves as a gateway to something beyond human comprehension. It represents the unknown and the terrifying potential for realities beyond our own. It also symbolizes the escape route, albeit one that leads into the unknown and potentially dangerous. The unwillingness or inability of Gemma and Tom to truly explore this portal adds another layer to their tragic fate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of Vivarium
Here are some frequently asked questions that can further enhance your understanding of the movie’s ending.
1. What happens to the dog that Tom tries to rescue?
The dog is taken into house number 9, mirroring the arrival of Gemma and Tom. This reinforces the theme of the cycle and indicates that even pets are subject to the same cruel experiment, further emphasizing the film’s bleak outlook on free will and agency.
2. Does Tom ever figure out what the alien text in the book means?
No, Tom never fully decipheres the alien text. He becomes obsessed with digging, believing it to be the key to understanding and escaping the Vivarium. His digging is ultimately a futile act of resistance, representing the human desire to find meaning and purpose in a meaningless existence.
3. Why does Gemma become so attached to the alien child?
Gemma develops a maternal instinct towards the child, perhaps as a coping mechanism in their isolated and unnatural environment. This connection highlights the primal human need for connection and caregiving, even in the face of the bizarre and unsettling. She struggles with the nature of the child but ultimately finds a sense of purpose in caring for it.
4. Is the Vivarium a representation of hell?
While not explicitly stated, the Vivarium can be interpreted as a metaphorical hell, representing a state of perpetual torment and meaninglessness. The lack of escape, the monotonous environment, and the psychological manipulation all contribute to this interpretation.
5. What is the significance of the real estate company “Prosperity”?
The name “Prosperity” is deeply ironic. It highlights the false promises of a better life often associated with home ownership and societal success. The company represents the superficiality and emptiness of pursuing material wealth and conforming to societal expectations.
6. Does the movie offer any hope for escape from the cycle?
The movie offers little to no hope. The ending reinforces the cyclical nature of the trap, suggesting that escape is virtually impossible. However, some might argue that Tom’s act of burying the alien creature, even in its futility, represents a spark of resistance and a refusal to completely succumb to the system.
7. What is the “food” that the alien child eats made of?
The origin of the alien child’s food is never explicitly revealed, adding to the unsettling nature of the Vivarium. This ambiguity further highlights the unnatural and artificial environment, emphasizing that everything within the Vivarium is controlled and manipulated.
8. How does the young adult Martin choose his next victims?
The movie doesn’t explicitly show how Martin chooses his next victims, but it implies that he selects couples who are seeking to buy a house, particularly those who are vulnerable and susceptible to the promises of a better life. The “Prosperity” company preys on these vulnerabilities.
9. What is the purpose of the strange signals and distortions in the Vivarium?
The strange signals and distortions serve to disorient and unsettle Gemma and Tom, further contributing to their psychological distress. They represent the interference and manipulation of an unknown force, highlighting the lack of control they have over their environment and their lives.
10. Are Gemma and Tom the first couple to be trapped in the Vivarium?
The movie implies that Gemma and Tom are not the first couple to be trapped in the Vivarium. The cyclical nature of the ending suggests that this has happened countless times before, reinforcing the idea that the trap is self-perpetuating.
11. What is the role of the “boxes” delivered to the house?
The “boxes” delivered to the house provide the necessities for survival, but they also serve to reinforce the control the unseen force has over Gemma and Tom’s lives. The contents of the boxes are limited and predictable, highlighting the lack of freedom and choice within the Vivarium.
12. Is there an explanation for the rapid aging of the alien child?
The rapid aging of the alien child is never fully explained, but it suggests an accelerated life cycle designed for a specific purpose within the Vivarium. It highlights the unnatural and artificial nature of the environment and the manipulation of biological processes by an unknown force. This unexplained phenomenon adds to the overall sense of unease and mystery surrounding the Vivarium.