The Kiss, directed by Pen Densham, is a 1988, supernatural horror film that delves into the dark and mysterious world of family curses, possession, and the eternal struggle for survival. The film follows a young girl, Amy (Meredith Salenger), whose life spirals into chaos after the arrival of her enigmatic and dangerous aunt, Felice (Joanna Pacula). At its core, The Kiss explores the terrifying consequences of inherited evil and the lengths to which people will go to break free from their cursed fate.
The story begins with a haunting introduction to Felice, a woman who has been plagued by a sinister family curse for years. The curse, passed down through generations, grants her beauty and power but comes at a deadly price. The film soon shifts to Amy, an ordinary teenage girl who lives a happy and peaceful life with her mother Hilary (Pamela Collyer) and father Jack (Nicholas Kilbertus). However, everything changes when tragedy strikes.
Amy's mother dies in a sudden and tragic car accident, and shortly after her funeral, Amy's mysterious and estranged aunt, Felice, enters her life. Felice's arrival coincides with a series of bizarre and terrifying events, and it becomes clear that Felice is not just an ordinary woman—she harbours a dark secret. As Amy grows closer to her aunt, she begins to uncover the truth behind the curse that has haunted their family for generations.
As the plot unfolds, Amy realizes that Felice intends to pass on the curse to her, and she must fight for her life to prevent this deadly inheritance. The curse manifests in various ways, from strange supernatural occurrences to terrifying deaths of those close to Amy. The stakes are high, and the tension builds as the film hurtles toward its climactic final confrontation between Amy and her aunt.
Why Did Felice Want to Pass on the Curse to Amy?
At the heart of the story is the curse that has plagued Felice’s life. This ancient and malevolent force grants her immortality and power but requires regular sacrifices to sustain its hold over her. Each time the curse claims another victim, Felice becomes more powerful, but the curse demands that it be passed on to the next generation before it consumes its current host completely.
Felice’s desire to pass on the curse to Amy stems from her desperation to rid herself of this dark burden. As the curse begins to take a toll on Felice, she grows more determined to transfer it to someone younger and unsuspecting, ensuring her own survival and freedom from its destructive influence. Amy, being the closest blood relative, becomes the prime target for this transfer.
Felice’s obsession with passing on the curse is motivated not only by self-preservation but also by a twisted sense of destiny. She sees Amy as the rightful heir to the curse, and in her mind, transferring it to her niece is the only way to break free from its clutches.
How Was Felice Killed?
The climactic battle between Felice and Amy is a tension-filled confrontation that pits innocence against centuries-old evil. In the final act, Felice's attempts to pass on the curse intensify, and the supernatural occurrences become more frequent and violent. However, Amy, realizing the full extent of Felice’s intentions, refuses to succumb to her aunt’s manipulations and fights back.
Felice’s death comes in the form of poetic justice. Amy, with the help of her friends and family, discovers a way to break the curse and ultimately kills Felice in a dramatic and violent showdown. Felice's demise is a fitting end for the character, as she is consumed by the very curse she tried to escape.
The film ends with a sense of relief for Amy, but the lingering question remains: has the curse truly been broken, or has it simply been delayed for another generation to face?
The Ending of The Kiss Explained
The ending of The Kiss leaves the audience with a mixture of relief and unease. After Felice’s death, it appears that Amy has successfully broken free from the curse that has haunted her family for generations. The final moments of the film show Amy returning to a semblance of normal life, but the ominous tone suggests that the curse may not be entirely vanquished.
Felice's death symbolizes the end of her reign of terror, but the curse itself—an ancient, supernatural force—may still linger, waiting for an opportunity to return. The film's ambiguous ending leaves viewers questioning whether Amy has truly escaped her fate or if the curse will resurface in the future.
While Amy's victory over her aunt is satisfying, the unresolved nature of the curse serves as a reminder that some forces are beyond human control.
Viewers’ Reaction to the Ending
The ending of The Kiss received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. Some viewers appreciated the film's suspenseful build-up and the resolution of the central conflict between Amy and Felice, while others were left unsatisfied by the film’s open-ended conclusion.
For those who enjoy supernatural horror, The Kiss delivered a satisfying mix of eerie atmosphere and creepy family dynamics. The film’s focus on the generational curse and the psychological tension between Amy and Felice made for an engaging and thought-provoking story.
However, some viewers found the film’s pacing slow at times and were disappointed by the lack of a clear resolution regarding the fate of the curse. The ending’s ambiguity left many viewers speculating about whether Amy had truly broken free or if the curse would return to haunt her in the future.
Overall, The Kiss garnered a cult following for its atmospheric storytelling and unique take on the supernatural horror genre. While it may not have been a blockbuster hit, the film left a lasting impression on those who appreciated its dark themes and unsettling tone.
The Kiss Conclusion: A Tale of Family, Fate, and Cursed Inheritance
The Kiss is a haunting exploration of the power of curses; the lengths people will go to escape their fates, and the dangers of family secrets. The film’s blend of supernatural horror, psychological tension, and familial conflict creates a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on edge until the final frame.
The relationship between Amy and Felice serves as the film’s emotional core, with Felice representing the destructive forces of the past and Amy embodying the hope for a future free from the curse. As the film progresses, the stakes become higher, and the battle between the two women intensifies, leading to a climactic and violent showdown.
Felice’s death provides a sense of closure for Amy, but the unresolved nature of the curse leaves room for speculation. Has the curse truly been broken, or will it return in some form? This ambiguity is what makes The Kiss such a memorable and unsettling film.
The Kiss serves as a reminder that the past can have a powerful hold on the present, and breaking free from the chains of fate is never easy. The film’s chilling atmosphere, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the supernatural horror genre and its ending leaves viewers questioning the true nature of family, fate, and inheritance.
