Explanation of the Ending of ‘A Cure For Wellness’

What’s the deal with bodies suspended in tubes and individuals soaking in eel baths? If these scenarios sound bizarre, it’s because they stem from the world of alternative medicine that Gore Verbinski explores in his psychological horror film, A Cure For Wellness. Set in a seemingly serene Swiss Alps spa, the narrative delves into anything but tranquility. But what about that mind-bending conclusion? Let’s break it down.

Feeling under the weather?

Worry not! Just make your way to Dr. Volmer’s spa nestled in the Swiss Alps, and you’ll soon be back on your feet! This is the enticing offer put forth, and Wall Street executive Lockhart finds himself compelled to take up the invitation. Now, Lockhart must navigate this unsettling facility to retrieve his boss, but the outcome for both may be far from certain.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

It’s no shock that the spa’s founder, Dr. Volmer, is hiding his true identity. Far from being a benevolent doctor, he is actually a Swiss Baron who achieved biological immortality through his nefarious scientific pursuits. Two centuries ago, the institute was originally the Baron’s castle, where he harbored something akin to Game of Thrones-level obsessions for his sister. Unfortunately, he was unable to sire the heirs he desired with her due to her infertility. In a desperate bid to “cure”her, the Baron resorted to sinister strategies reminiscent of Dr. Frankenstein, performing shocking experiments on the local villagers. Eventually, the outraged villagers revolted, burning down the castle while trapping the Baron and his sister inside. In a horrific twist, they seized the Baron’s sister, extracted her infant conceived with him, and discarded it into an aquifer. Tragically, the Baron’s sister did not survive this ordeal.

But the infant did survive.

How, you ask? Eels. The aquifer’s toxic waters facilitate the eels’ unnatural immortality, but the Baron discovered a method to purify this water by filtering it through human bodies for safe consumption. Lockhart nearly fell prey to this horrific cycle. However, after breaking free from his confinement, he uncovers the dark truths about the Baron and his daughter, Hannah, by infiltrating Volmer’s office. In a pivotal moment, Hannah confronts her father, who seeks to exploit her, and as their dark family secrets spill out, she pushes him into the aquifer, where he meets his fate consumed by eels, allowing the duo to flee.

So, what drove Volmer to desire offspring with his own daughter? He harbored eugenicist beliefs, aspiring to forge a “pure master race” of immortal beings, convinced that the only lineage suitable for this experiment was his own bloodline. He initially sought to utilize his sister and later his daughter to produce this twisted master race, all in line with his warped ideals. But as destiny would have it, he became a meal for his own eels instead. *cue laughter*

Source