Maya and Jamie become increasingly embroiled in conflict with the builders fixing the roof of their cottage, namely Daddy Whelan (Colm Meaney) and his three children: Eoin (Kristian Nairn), Aisling (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), and Killian (Chris Walley).
A pivotal moment occurs when Eoin is violently assaulted by his father. Later, Maya tries to offer him solace in the woods, but he attempts to assault her. Fortunately, the Red Caps arrive just in time to intervene, seizing Eoin and leaving his decapitated head at Maya and Jamie’s doorstep.
A desperate fight for survival leads Maya to an unthinkable fate (Photo: Unwelcome/Cornerstone Films, Tempo Productions)Believing that Maya and Jamie are responsible for Eoin’s fate, the rest of the Whelan family breaks into their cottage, igniting a fierce confrontation. The chaos escalates when Maya inadvertently drops Eoin’s severed head, drawing Aisling’s attention and complicating matters further.
In desperation, Maya flees to the woods at the edge of their garden, seeking the help of the Red Caps. Upon her return to the cottage, the Red Caps do indeed join the fray, eliminating the Whelans. Following the bloodshed, Maya gives birth to her child, but the ordeal is far from over.
The Red Caps demand payment for their assistance, leading them to abduct Maya’s baby. This prompts Maya to pursue them into their domain, where she encounters an elderly woman who reveals herself to be the long-lost daughter of the cottage’s former owner, Jamie’s aunt, taken by the Red Caps years ago and now their queen.
Reluctant to let the Red Caps keep her child, Maya engages in a brutal confrontation with the creatures, eventually crushing the old woman’s skull. This act earns her the respect of the Red Caps, who then accompany her back to the cottage, where her baby is safely returned.
In the garden of the cottage, the Red Caps dance around Maya, pouring the blood of the deceased woman over her, seemingly crowning her as their new queen while Jamie watches in shock. The film culminates with a close-up of Maya’s face, signaling her new role as the leader of the Red Caps.
Insights from Director Jon Wright on the Ending
Jon Wright, the director, shares insights about the film’s conclusion, explaining that earlier drafts included an additional scene that showcased Maya and Jamie’s life post-climactic events. However, he felt that the final surreal scene was impactful enough to stand alone.
The surreal transformation of Maya’s role leaves Jamie stunned (Photo: Unwelcome/Cornerstone Films, Tempo Productions)Wright reflects on the scene as one of the most extraordinary he has filmed, emphasizing its surreal and psychedelic qualities, inspired by directors like David Lynch and David Cronenberg.
He mentions a sense of apprehension about potentially being told to tone down the vision, a common occurrence in television production.
Surprisingly, he received nothing but support from the film’s financiers, who embraced his ambitious creative direction. When the initial footage was reviewed, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing his artistic choices.
He expresses that one of his favorite aspects of the ending is its unpredictability, asserting that audiences are unlikely to foresee its direction.
Wright hopes the conclusion feels coherent and satisfying, highlighting that, unlike many contemporary blockbusters that follow predictable formulas, this film offers a unique, unforeseen resolution.
He eagerly anticipates discussions with viewers to see if anyone could have predicted the ending, believing it to be highly improbable.
