You Won't Be Alone Ending Explained

 

Explaining the Ending of "You Won't Be Alone"

"You Won't Be Alone" is a horror film released in 2022, directed by Goran Stolevski. The movie tells the story of a witch who can change her shape and her journey to discover her true humanity. It is set in a 19th-century Balkan village and focuses on the witch, known as Old Maid Maria or Volkojatka, who frightens the villagers by preying on newborns and animals. The film delves into her origins, the curse she carries, and her quest for love and identity.

The Origin of the Witch

The film reveals that Old Maid Maria was once a young woman named Nevena. She lived with her mother Bilina in a secluded hut, and both were witches. Bilina passed down her powers to Nevena, teaching her to transform into various animals like a cat, a wolf, or a bird. However, Bilina warned her daughter about the villagers' superstitious beliefs and their hostility towards witches.

Tragedy struck when Bilina was captured by hunters who tortured and killed her. Nevena witnessed this horrifying act and vowed revenge. She used her powers to kill the hunters and their families, leaving behind a trail of blood and death. To ensure she could never be killed, Nevena cursed herself to live forever.

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The Curse of the Witch

Nevena's curse came at a cost. She had to consume living flesh to survive and was unable to have children of her own. Additionally, her appearance became disfigured and monstrous, losing her human likeness. She isolated herself in the woods, hunting animals for sustenance and occasionally abducting babies from the village. Over time, she developed a deep hatred for humans, particularly men, whom she held responsible for her mother's death.

Despite her monstrous nature, Nevena retained a glimmer of humanity. She yearned for companionship and love, which she couldn't find among animals or other witches. Memories of her childhood friend Jovan, whom she once had feelings for, haunted her. Nevena pondered how her life might have unfolded had she chosen a different path.

The Witch's Redemption

The climax of the film occurs when Nevena encounters Jovan again after many years. Jovan, now an elderly man living alone in a cabin near the forest, recognizes Nevena as his childhood friend, disregarding her monstrous appearance. He invites her to stay with him, and they rekindle their friendship.

Nevena grapples with her conflicting emotions for Jovan. On one hand, she loves him and desires to be with him. On the other hand, she fears rejection or betrayal if he discovers the truth about her monstrous nature. She also struggles to suppress her craving for flesh, attempting to subsist on plants and berries instead.

One night, Nevena decides to reveal her secret to Jovan. She transforms into a cat, demonstrating her powers to him. Though shocked, Jovan remains unafraid. He accepts Nevena as she is and confesses his love for her. Aware of his impending death due to illness, Jovan requests that she stays by his side until the end.

Nevena agrees and spends the following days with Jovan. They share stories, laughter, and intimacy, planning to run away together once Jovan recovers. For the first time in her life, Nevena experiences happiness and hope.

The Witch's Fate

The film's ending remains open-ended and allows for interpretation. Two possible outcomes for Nevena emerge:

She stays with Jovan until his peaceful passing in his sleep. After burying him in the forest, she abandons the village, renouncing her curse and striving to live as a human once again. Along her journey, she may or may not find another companion or lover.

She succumbs to her hunger or rage and kills Jovan. Overwhelmed by remorse, she curses herself once more, returning to her solitary existence as a witch. While navigating her path, she may or may not encounter another human or witch along the way.

The film purposely omits the specific outcome, leaving it to the viewer's imagination.

Conclusion

"You Won't Be Alone" is a remarkable and imaginative horror film that challenges traditional witch stereotypes while exploring themes of identity, love, and humanity. It differs from typical jump-scare or gore-focused movies, presenting an atmospheric and poetic narrative that blends fantasy with reality. Goran Stolevski's talent as both writer and director shines through, drawing on his Macedonian heritage to deliver a captivating debut feature.