The Mist: the excruciating twist ending of the film adaptation

22 March 2023
"The Mist" is a 2007 horror film directed by Frank Darabont, known for his previous adaptations of Stephen King's works, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Green Mile. The film is based on King's novella of the same name. "The Mist" received mixed reviews upon release but has since gained a cult following. It combines elements of horror and science fiction to create a tense and atmospheric experience for viewers.

Throughout the film, Darabont skillfully builds tension, immersing the audience in an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The setting of a small town enveloped by a mysterious mist, hiding monstrous creatures, creates an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia and fear. The cinematography, featuring dim lighting and heavy use of shadows, enhances the sense of dread.

The tension is further amplified by the sound design, with eerie noises and unsettling music intensifying key moments. The characters' relationships are explored, and their conflicts and fears are slowly revealed, adding emotional depth and investment for the audience.

"The Mist" revolves around a group of people trapped in a supermarket when a supernatural mist descends upon their town. As the mist conceals deadly creatures, the survivors face escalating threats and must find ways to stay alive. The group becomes divided, with tensions rising between characters holding different beliefs and strategies for survival.

the mist twist ending

The twist ending of "The Mist" is both shocking and devastating. After numerous harrowing encounters with the creatures in the mist and the characters' struggles to survive, the protagonist, David Drayton (played by Thomas Jane), and a small group of survivors escape the supermarket in a vehicle. They continue driving through the mist, hoping to find safety. However, as their situation becomes increasingly desperate and they believe they have no chance of survival, David makes the heartbreaking decision to spare the remaining group members from a slow and painful death.

In an act of mercy-killing, David shoots everyone in the vehicle, including his young son, before running out of bullets. Moments later, the mist clears, revealing that rescue and help were imminent. David is left devastated and guilt-ridden by the realization that he had needlessly sacrificed his loved ones.

The twist ending of "The Mist" has a profound emotional impact on both the characters and the audience. It subverts the expectation that help will arrive, offering a grim and nihilistic resolution instead. The audience is left stunned and disturbed by the brutal nature of David's actions and the devastating consequences of his decision.

The ending elicits a range of emotions, including shock, sadness, and moral contemplation. It raises questions about the lengths one would go to ensure their survival and the ethical implications of sacrificing others for personal gain. The emotional impact lingers long after the film concludes, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

The twist ending of "The Mist" explores themes of human nature, despair, and sacrifice. It showcases the depths to which desperation and fear can drive individuals, highlighting the moral complexities that arise when faced with life-or-death decisions. The ending challenges the audience's perceptions of morality and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about the darkness that can reside within people.

Additionally, the film explores the consequences of actions and the weight of guilt. David's realization of his hasty decision amplifies the sense of remorse and the toll it takes on his psyche, questioning whether the cost of survival was too high.

The twist generated a range of reactions and discussions among critics and audiences. While some praised its boldness and subversion of expectations, others found it excessively bleak and disturbing. The controversial nature of the ending sparked debates regarding the morality of David's decision and the overall message of the film.

The divide in opinions reflects the polarizing effect of the ending, with some viewers appreciating its dark exploration of human nature and others feeling it was gratuitously pessimistic.

Different ending from Steven King's novella


In Stephen King's novella "The Mist," on which the film is based, the ending differs significantly from the film adaptation. While the general premise and events leading up to the climax remain similar, the resolution takes a distinct direction.

In the novella, after the survivors escape the supermarket, they continue driving through the mist, desperately searching for safety. As they drive, the group gradually runs out of fuel and becomes stranded. However, instead of the devastating twist found in the film, the novella concludes with a more ambiguous ending.

In the novella's conclusion, David Drayton and his companions, including his young son Billy, remain hopeful despite their dire circumstances. The mist persists, and they encounter strange, otherworldly sounds. David believes they may have entered an alternate dimension or a different plane of existence. The story ends with a sense of uncertainty and an open-ended possibility of what awaits them beyond the mist.

By changing the ending, the film version of "The Mist" took a more gut-wrenching and nihilistic approach compared to the novella. The decision to introduce a bleak and brutal twist, where David kills his companions before the rescue arrives, adds an element of tragedy and despair not found in King's original work. This alteration heightens the emotional impact of the film and delivers a more shocking and divisive conclusion.

It's worth noting that Stephen King himself praised the film's ending, stating that it was "like being punched in the gut" and expressing admiration for the boldness of the creative decision. While the film's ending diverges from the source material, it stands as a testament to the director's interpretation and vision for the story.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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