1408 Ending Explained, Review, Cast, Plot, and More
by Vignesh L
Updated Apr 29, 2023
1408 Plot
1408 is a horror movie released in 2007, based on a Stephen King short story of the same name. The plot revolves around Mike Enslin, a skeptic, and author who writes about supernatural phenomena. Enslin decides to spend a night in room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel in New York City, despite warnings from the hotel manager about the room's dark history and the numerous deaths that have occurred there.
Once in the room, Enslin experiences a series of terrifying events, including hallucinations, physical attacks, and encounters with ghosts. Despite his attempts to leave the room, he finds himself trapped inside, unable to escape the supernatural forces that seem to be controlling his every move.
As the night progresses, Enslin is forced to confront the demons of his past and the reality of the room's haunted history. The movie builds to a suspenseful and intense climax, as Enslin battles to survive the night and escape the room's deadly grasp.
1408 Ending Explained
The ending of 1408 is open to interpretation, but here's what is generally understood, After a long and terrifying night in Room 1408, Mike Enslin finally sees the ghost of his deceased daughter, Katie. This prompts him to reconcile with her and embrace her, but then the room begins to collapse around them. Enslin then wakes up, seemingly back in the hotel manager's office, with no memory of what happened in the room.
At first, it seems like everything was just a nightmare, but then Enslin finds a tape recorder in his pocket with a recording of his conversation with his deceased father. This suggests that the events in the room were not just a dream, but that Enslin actually experienced them.
The final scene shows Enslin walking down the street, seemingly back to normal. However, when he sees a vision of his daughter across the street, he is overcome with emotion and chases after her, only to disappear into a crowd of people.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving it up to the viewer to decide whether Enslin survived his night in Room 1408, or whether he died and is now trapped in a purgatory-like state where he is forced to relive the pain of losing his daughter. It's a haunting and thought-provoking conclusion to a terrifying and suspenseful movie.
1408 Where to Watch?
1408 can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, and Microsoft Store. However, availability may vary depending on your location and the platform you choose. The movie is a horror film based on a Stephen King short story, featuring John Cusack as Mike Enslin and Samuel L. Jackson as the hotel manager.
It was directed by Mikael Håfström and released in 2007. 1408 received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing over $130 million worldwide. It is known for its suspenseful and terrifying storyline and is considered one of the better adaptations of Stephen King's work.
1408 Movie Review
The film adaptation of Stephen King's short story, 1408, partially captures the brilliance of the original work with its depiction of the malevolent presence within room 1408. The atmosphere of dread and foreboding is skillfully created and maintained throughout the film, although it does falter in the over-the-top and unnecessary ending.
John Cusack delivers an exceptional performance as the skeptic author confronting a non-ghostly entity, with his cynical demeanor perfectly suited to the role.
While Samuel L. Jackson may not have been the obvious choice for the part of Olin, his gruff mannerisms contribute to the building tension. The film effectively portrays many of the story's best scares and adds some creepy elements that feel like they could have come from King himself. The use of Karen Carpenter's haunting singing voice adds another disturbing layer to the film. Overall, 1408 is worth watching, although it does try to do too much at times.
1408 Cast
John Cusack
Michael "Mike" Enslin
Samuel L. Jackson
Gerald Olin
Mary McCormack
Lily Enslin
Tony Shalhoub
Sam Farrell
Len Cariou
Mike's father
Jasmine Jessica Anthony
Katie Enslin
Isiah Whitlock Jr.
Hotel Engineer
Kim Thomson
Hotel Desk Clerk
Benny Urquidez
Claw Hammer Maniac
Angel Oquendo
Taxi Cab Driver
Andrew-Lee Potts
Mailbox Guy
Jules de Jongh
the Female Front-Desk Voice on the Phone (Uncredited)
Cast
Character Name
1408 Ending Explained - FAQs
The movie stars John Cusack as Mike Enslin and Samuel L. Jackson as the hotel manager, Gerald Olin. Mary McCormack also appears in the film as Enslin's estranged wife, Lily.
Yes, "1408" is based on a short story of the same name by Stephen King, which was first published in the audiobook collection "Blood and Smoke" in 1999.
The movie was directed by Swedish filmmaker Mikael Håfström.
1408 was released in 2007.