The Hole in the Ground Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, and More
by A Maria
Updated May 22, 2023
The Hole in the Ground (Film)
"The Hole in the Ground" is a supernatural horror film released in 2019. It marked the directorial debut of Lee Cronin, who co-wrote the original screenplay with Stephen Shields. The movie features a talented cast including Seána Kerslake, James Cosmo, Kati Outinen, Simone Kirby, Steve Wall, and James Quinn Markey.
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes increasingly suspicious of her son's disturbing behavior, suspecting a connection to a mysterious sinkhole. As the plot unfolds, she delves deeper into the dark secrets surrounding the sinkhole and its impact on her family.
"The Hole in the Ground" had its world premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2019. Garnering attention and acclaim, the film captivated audiences with its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful narrative. It explores themes of psychological unease and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.
Following its successful premiere, the movie was released on March 1, 2019. In Ireland, it was distributed by Wildcard Distribution, while Vertigo Releasing handled its release in the United Kingdom. Audiences had the opportunity to experience the film's gripping and eerie storytelling in theaters.
With Lee Cronin's directorial talent and the strong performances from the cast, "The Hole in the Ground" offered a fresh take on supernatural horror, delivering an unsettling and memorable cinematic experience for horror enthusiasts and fans of psychological thrillers alike.
The Hole in the Ground Ending Explained
In "The Hole in the Ground," the film takes a subtle approach during its initial hour, leaving viewers uncertain about the validity of Sarah's fears. However, everything changes during a pivotal scene where she confronts the boy and firmly declares that he is not her son, Chris. The boy's facade crumbles, revealing his true nature as he attacks Sarah with supernatural strength, attempting to suffocate her by burying her head in the ground. Miraculously, she manages to escape and discovers his monstrous form when she uses a piece of mirror.
The climax of the film showcases Sarah embarking on a descent reminiscent of the film "Descent," venturing into the expansive sinkhole where the creature resides. In a thrilling sequence, she unearths the buried Chris from a pile of dirt, while faceless humanoid creatures relentlessly pursue them. Fleeing through a tunnel, one of the creatures grabs Sarah's arm and assumes her form momentarily, but they both manage to escape. In an act of finality, Sarah sets fire to the house with the imposter "Chris" inside, and together with her real son, they drive away.
The Hole in the Ground Cast
Seána Kerslake
Sarah O'Neill
James Cosmo
Des Brady
Kati Outinen
Noreen Brady
Simone Kirby
Louise Caul
Steve Wall
Rob Caul
James Quinn Markey
Chris O'Neill
Eoin Macken
Jay Caul
David Crowley
Teacher 1
CAST
CHARACTER
The Hole in the Ground Plot
Sarah O’Neill and her shy and arachnophobic son, Christopher (nicknamed Chris), decide to move to the serene Irish countryside. However, their arrival takes an unexpected turn when Sarah nearly collides with an elderly woman named Noreen Brady, who mysteriously stands in the middle of the road.
Back at their new home, Sarah and Chris have a heated argument regarding Chris' father, prompting Chris to run into the nearby forest. Concerned, Sarah follows him and discovers him near a massive sinkhole. During a dinner party with friends, Sarah learns about Noreen's disturbing tale. It is rumored that Noreen believed her son, James, was an imposter and allegedly killed him with a car.
That night, Sarah awakens to strange noises downstairs, only to find Chris missing from his bedroom. Panicked, she contacts the police, but to her shock, Chris reappears in the doorway of his room. Seeking answers, Sarah visits a doctor who prescribes sedatives. While driving Chris home from school, Sarah encounters Noreen once again. Noreen attacks the car and insists that the boy is not Sarah's son. Her husband, Des, restrains her, leaving Sarah in a state of disbelief.
Later, Sarah visits the Bradys' house and discovers that Noreen has died, seemingly by suicide with her head buried in the ground. During Noreen's funeral, Sarah notices that all the mirrors in the house are covered. Des reveals that Noreen believed their son James was an imposter, as she could detect it by looking at his reflection. Shockingly, Des confesses that he was the one responsible for James' death in a car accident.
Sarah begins to notice peculiar changes in Chris, including increased sociability and a newfound appreciation for Sarah's cooking, which he previously despised. During a confrontation about finding his toy soldier in the forest, Chris becomes enraged and displays uncharacteristic strength by pushing the dinner table. Sarah becomes even more suspicious when she witnesses Chris catching and consuming a spider.
Sarah's doubts intensify when she witnesses Chris's unsettling behavior during a school talent show. She decides to hide a camera in Chris' room to monitor his nighttime actions. When she shows Des the footage, he dismisses her concerns but cannot provide reassurance that the boy in the video is indeed her son.
In a desperate attempt to uncover the truth, Sarah mixes her sedatives into Chris' food and confronts him about his identity when he fails to recognize their favorite game. The imposter Chris violently attacks Sarah, rendering her unconscious. He attempts to bury her head in the ground but succumbs to the sedatives. Sarah regains consciousness, escapes his clutches, and locks the imposter in the basement. Using a mirror, she reveals the imposter's true inhuman form.
Sarah flees to the forest's sinkhole, where she descends and discovers Chris still alive among countless formless and faceless creatures. As they make their escape, they are pursued by one of the creatures that assumes Sarah's form. Despite this, they manage to evade it, and Sarah sets the house ablaze with the imposter Chris trapped inside. In the aftermath, she and Chris begin a new life in an unnamed city, residing in an apartment adorned with mirrors, symbolizing that while they may have escaped immediate danger, Sarah's lingering paranoia may never fully dissipate.
The Hole in the Ground Where to Watch
To enjoy "The Hole in the Ground," you have various streaming options available. You can rent or purchase the film on popular platforms such as Vudu, Google Play, Amazon Instant Video, and iTunes, allowing you to conveniently access the movie from the comfort of your own home. These platforms offer a seamless streaming experience, granting you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the supernatural horror of "The Hole in the Ground" with just a few clicks.
Moreover, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also stream "The Hole in the Ground" for free on platforms like Plex or Pluto. These streaming services provide an accessible and cost-effective way to enjoy the film without any additional charges. Whether you prefer to rent, purchase, or stream for free, there are multiple avenues available for you to experience the suspense and intrigue of "The Hole in the Ground" at your convenience.
About The Hole in the Ground
Directed by
Lee Cronin
Written by
Release dates
Running time
90 minutes
Countries
Language
English
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
The Hole in the Ground Ending Explained - FAQs
"The Hole in the Ground" was directed by Lee Cronin, making it his directorial debut.
The film was released in 2019.
The screenplay was co-written by Lee Cronin and Stephen Shields.
The talented cast of "The Hole in the Ground" includes Seána Kerslake, James Cosmo, Kati Outinen, Simone Kirby, Steve Wall, and James Quinn Markey.
The story revolves around a young woman who becomes suspicious of her son's unsettling behavior, suspecting a connection to a mysterious sinkhole. As the plot unfolds, she investigates the secrets surrounding the sinkhole and its impact on her family.