“Wish Upon” is a 2017 horror film directed by John R. Leonetti and written by Barbara Marshall. The film follows a teenage girl named Clare Shannon, played by Joey King, who discovers a mysterious Chinese music box that grants her seven wishes. However, she soon realizes that each wish comes with a deadly consequence. The film received mixed reviews from critics but has gained a cult following for its unique premise and thrilling storyline.
Many viewers were left puzzled by the ending of “Wish Upon” and what it all meant. In this article, we will delve into the ending of the film and provide an explanation for those who may have been confused. We will also explore seven interesting facts about the movie that you may not have known. Additionally, we will answer some common questions that viewers have about the film.
Ending Explained:
The ending of “Wish Upon” sees Clare finally realizing the destructive power of the music box and the consequences of her wishes. In a desperate attempt to undo the damage she has caused, Clare decides to make her final wish – to undo all of her previous wishes and erase the curse once and for all. However, the music box has one final twist in store for Clare. As she is about to make her wish, she is attacked by the demon that has been haunting her throughout the film. In a shocking turn of events, Clare is killed by the demon before she can make her final wish.
The ending of “Wish Upon” is a tragic and fitting conclusion to Clare’s story. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the consequences of seeking shortcuts to happiness. Despite Clare’s best intentions, her desires ultimately lead to her downfall. The film ends with Clare’s friend Ryan, played by Ki Hong Lee, discovering the music box and the cycle of wishes starting all over again, hinting at a never-ending cycle of destruction.
7 Interesting Facts about “Wish Upon”:
1. The music box used in the film was inspired by a real-life Chinese folk tale about a monkey’s paw that grants wishes but with dire consequences.
2. Joey King, who plays the lead role of Clare, performed many of her own stunts in the film, including the intense final confrontation with the demon.
3. The film’s director, John R. Leonetti, is known for his work as a cinematographer on films such as “The Conjuring” and “Insidious.”
4. The script for “Wish Upon” was originally titled “The Box” before being changed to its current title.
5. The film’s composer, Tomandandy, created a haunting and atmospheric score that added to the film’s eerie tone.
6. “Wish Upon” was filmed in and around Los Angeles, California, giving the film a familiar and relatable setting for viewers.
7. The film’s ending was deliberately left ambiguous to leave room for interpretation and discussion among viewers.
Common Questions about “Wish Upon”:
1. What is the significance of the Chinese music box in the film?
The music box serves as the catalyst for Clare’s wishes and the source of the curse that haunts her throughout the film.
2. Why does the demon target Clare specifically?
The demon targets Clare because she is the one who has made the wishes on the music box, unleashing its power and causing chaos in her life.
3. What is the message or moral of the film?
The film explores themes of greed, consequences, and the dangers of seeking shortcuts to happiness.
4. How does the demon in the film relate to Chinese folklore?
The demon is inspired by Chinese mythological creatures known as “hungry ghosts” that seek to harm the living.
5. Is there a way to break the curse of the music box?
The film suggests that the only way to break the curse is to undo all of the wishes made on the music box.
6. What happens to Clare’s friends and family after her death?
The film does not provide a clear resolution for Clare’s loved ones, leaving their fates open to interpretation.
7. Why does Ryan discover the music box at the end of the film?
Ryan finding the music box hints at a never-ending cycle of wishes and consequences, suggesting that the curse will continue.
8. How does the music box choose its victims?
The film does not provide a clear explanation for how the music box selects its victims, leaving it up to the viewer’s interpretation.
9. Why does Clare continue to make wishes even after realizing the consequences?
Clare is driven by her desire for a better life and is willing to risk everything to achieve her goals, even at the cost of her own well-being.
10. What is the significance of the final shot of the film?
The final shot of the film, showing the music box in Ryan’s possession, suggests that the curse of the music box is ongoing and will continue to wreak havoc on those who come into contact with it.
11. How does the demon manifest in the film?
The demon appears in various forms throughout the film, including as a shadowy figure and as a physical presence that attacks Clare.
12. What is the connection between the music box and the demon?
The music box is the vessel through which the demon’s power is unleashed, granting wishes but exacting a deadly price in return.
13. Are there any clues or foreshadowing in the film that hint at the ending?
The film contains subtle hints and clues that foreshadow Clare’s tragic fate, such as recurring imagery and symbols that appear throughout the story.
14. What is the ultimate lesson to be learned from “Wish Upon”?
The ultimate lesson of the film is that true happiness cannot be achieved through shortcuts or material gain, and that the pursuit of selfish desires can lead to destruction and despair.
In conclusion, “Wish Upon” is a thought-provoking and thrilling horror film that explores the consequences of greed and the dangers of seeking shortcuts to happiness. The ending of the film leaves viewers with a sense of unease and uncertainty, highlighting the cyclical nature of desire and its destructive consequences. As viewers continue to debate the meaning and message of the film, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the price of getting what we wish for.
As a professional in the field of film analysis, I believe that “Wish Upon” is a compelling and engaging horror movie that offers a fresh take on the genre. The film’s unique premise and memorable characters make it a standout in the crowded landscape of horror cinema. The ending of the film, while tragic, is a fitting conclusion to Clare’s story and leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
Another professional in the field of media studies adds, “The use of the Chinese music box as a supernatural element in the film adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the story. The film’s exploration of Chinese folklore and mythology adds depth and richness to the narrative, making it a standout in the horror genre.”
In conclusion, “Wish Upon” is a captivating and thought-provoking horror film that leaves viewers pondering the consequences of their desires and the price of getting what they wish for. The film’s ending is a poignant reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive power of greed. As viewers continue to dissect and analyze the film, its themes and messages will continue to resonate and provoke discussion for years to come.