Bagman movie ending explained: Was Patrick Mckee the creature's true target?

Bagman, directed by Colm McCarthy, is a 2024 horror film rooted in eerie folklore. The story centers on Patrick McKee, played by Sam Claflin, a man haunted by the myth of the Bagman, a creature said to abduct virtuous children. As Patrick's own son, Jake becomes the entity's target, he is forced to confront both the supernatural threat and the weight of his family's past.

The film's narrative builds to a climactic confrontation between Patrick and the Bagman, leaving audiences questioning his fate. Does Patrick succeed in saving Jake, or does he fall victim to the creature's relentless curse?

Ultimately, it is revealed that the Bagman's true target was always Patrick and not Jake. His curse is not lifted, and he ultimately falls victim to the creature's relentless vengeance. This ending has sparked significant discussion, diving into themes of fear, sacrifice, and generational trauma.

Disclaimer: The following article contains major spoilers for Bagman. Readers' discretion is advised.

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Patrick's final battle with the Bagman

Still from the movie's final scene (Image via Prime Video)

In the film's tense finale, Patrick ventures into the Bagman's underground lair to rescue Jake. The creature's pursuit of Patrick's family begins subtly, with Jake's flute mysteriously disappearing—a sign of its presence.

One night, Patrick hears strange noises from his son's room and discovers the creature paralyzing Liam and his wife. The creature stuffs Jake into its grotesque duffle bag and flees the house. Patrick follows the creature to its den, determined to save his son.

Patrick finds the duffle bag in the lair but is shocked to discover that Jake is not inside. Instead, it contains a toy that plays an audio recording of his son's voice. It is then that Patrick realizes that the creature was never after Jake—he was the true target all along.

Armed with his childhood carving knife, a sentimental object his father once said carried protective power, Patrick attempts to confront the creature. It bleeds when struck by the knife, suggesting that it can be defeated.

However, as Patrick tries to flee, the creature resurfaces. In an act of self-sacrifice, he is ultimately captured and trapped in the creature's infamous duffel bag. This fulfills the prophecy that once marked, no victim truly escapes its grasp.

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The aftermath of Bagman: Jake and Karina's escape

Still from the film (Image via Prime Video)

After Patrick's disappearance, his wife, Karina, finds Jake's blood-stained flute near the lair. This discovery convinces her that Patrick gave his life to protect their son. Aware of the danger, Karina decides to leave the family home, believing that distance might offer safety from the curse.

She also emphasizes the importance of Jake's flute, reflecting the belief of her husband's father that a cherished object, imbued with love, holds protective power.

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Why does the Bagman return for Patrick after all these years?

Still from the film (Image via Prime Video)

The Bagman's lair is adorned with objects dear to children—stuffed toys, binoculars, and other cherished items. These objects serve as talismans of protection, warding off the fears and anxieties of growing up.

The creature, grotesque and terrible, represents the uncanny dread of childhood—the looming fear of losing innocence to the responsibilities and struggles of adulthood.

Patrick's downfall begins when he discards his carving knife, a symbol of his childhood innocence and protection. Consumed by the stress of adult life, financial burdens, and familial responsibilities, he destroys the very object that once safeguarded him. This act signifies his disdain for the purity and simplicity of his past, inadvertently inviting the creature back into his life.

The creature's return is not only a supernatural threat but also a manifestation of Patrick's mental and emotional degradation. It embodies the dread and disillusionment that arise when childhood fancies are abandoned for the harsh realities of adulthood.

The Bagman is not just a physical antagonist but also a symbol of fear and generational trauma. Patrick's father warned him as a child about the creature's methods, which included marking its victims through personal items and relentlessly pursuing them until captured.

Patrick breaking his carving knife earlier in the film symbolizes his loss of faith and defense against the creature. The creature's return capitalizes on this vulnerability, showcasing how unresolved fears and past trauma can manifest into real dangers. The creature's power lies in its dual nature—both a literal threat and a representation of deeply rooted anxieties.

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Themes of sacrifice and survival

Patrick's actions throughout the film reflect themes of familial sacrifice and redemption. His willingness to confront the Bagman, despite his fears, mirrors his desire to break free from the cycle of guilt tied to his family's past. By saving Jake, Patrick not only protects his son but also redeems himself from the mistakes of his own upbringing.

Karina and Jake's departure signifies an attempt to escape the curse, but the creature's lingering presence suggests that the impact of such trauma is not easily left behind. This balance between survival and the inevitability of fear gives the film a haunting resonance.

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A haunting legacy: The enduring impact of the Bagman

Still from the film (Image via Prime Video)

Bagman concludes with an ambiguous yet haunting resolution. Patrick's sacrifice underscores the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. At the same time, Karina and Jake's journey forward highlights the ongoing struggle to overcome fear.

The film's blend of folklore, psychological tension, and familial drama leaves viewers pondering the creature's true nature—whether it is a supernatural entity or a manifestation of deeply rooted anxieties. The film explores fear and resilience with its chilling atmosphere and narrative.