Angela cries next to a fireplace in Regression
This psychological thriller follows detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) as he investigates the alleged sexual abuse of teen girl Angela Gray (Emma Watson) by her father.
Gray claims that the sexual abuse was done by a satanic cult which her family is part of.
As the cult seems to close in, causing Kenner disturbing nightmares and intense paranoia, a shocking plot twist comes about at the end of the film;
Gray made it all up in an attempt to escape her family, who she blames for her mother’s death.
Gray’s sudden reveal of her true colors when Kenner confronts her is a chillingly disturbing sight.
Devastatingly, her father pleads guilty to a crime he didn’t commit in the hopes that it’ll make Gray forgive him for not being the best father. The film ends with Gray speaking out on the news about how important it is to believe victims of satanic cults, like her.
By having Gray get away with it, the ending of Regression comments on the devastating power of mass hysteria, such as what was seen during the “Satanic Panic” in various regions during the 1980s.
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