The Beast Within ending explained: Is Noah really a beast?

Directed by Alexander J. Farrell, with a screenplay by Greer Ellison, The Beast Within premiered on July 26, 2024, and is now streaming on Hulu and Prime Video. The film stars Kit Harington as Noah, Ashleigh Cummings as Imogen, Caoilinn Springall as Willow, and James Cosmo as Waylon.

The official logline for The Beast Within reads:

"After a series of strange events leads her to question her family’s isolated life on a fortified compound deep in the English wilds, 10-year-old Willow follows her parents on one of their secret late-night treks to the heart of the ancient forest. But upon witnessing her father undergo a transformation, she too becomes ensnared by the ancestral secret they’ve tried to conceal."

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from The Beast Within. Reader's discretion advised.

The question—is Noah really a beast?—is central to the The Beast Within's narrative. On the surface, Noah is portrayed as a man cursed to transform into a werewolf under the full moon.

However, the final moments in the film reveal that the werewolf story is a metaphor constructed by Willow to cope with the abuse inflicted by her father. This narrative blurs the lines between literal and figurative monstrosity, making the question itself part of the film's exploration of trauma and perception.

---

The Beast Within: the revelation of Noah’s true nature

The film begins with Willow, a 10-year-old girl, living with her parents, Noah and Imogen, and her grandfather, Waylon, in a compound deep in the English wilds. Willow’s severe asthma often requires her to rely on an oxygen tank.

She begins to notice strange events, particularly the monthly rituals in which Imogen leads Noah into the woods, accompanied by a pig from their farm. These outings coincide with the full moon, arousing Willow’s curiosity.

One night, Willow follows her parents into the forest and witnesses a transformation: Noah changes into a werewolf while chained by Imogen. This event confirms to Willow that her family harbors a secret.

Noah later confesses to his daughter that his condition is the result of a hereditary curse triggered by the full moon. Despite the danger he poses, Noah refuses to leave his family, creating a balance that fuels the story’s tension.

---

The Beast Within: what happened to Willow and Imogen?

A still from The Beast Within (Image via Well Go USA Entertainment)

As Noah’s condition worsens, tensions within the family escalate. Waylon warns Imogen that Noah’s transformations will inevitably lead to her and Willow’s deaths. During one full moon, Noah’s loss of control becomes catastrophic.

In an attempt to maintain order, Imogen tries to secure Noah, but he lashes out, attacking Waylon and leaving him injured. Seizing the moment, Imogen and Waylon attempt to escape with Willow. However, Noah, now fully consumed by his werewolf instincts, pursues them.

The chase reaches its peak as Noah corners his family near the edge of the forest. He captures Willow, cradling her as if torn between his human emotions and primal urges. Imogen pleads with him to remember his humanity, speaking in an effort to calm him.

Her voice briefly seems to reach him, but the instincts prove too overpowering. As Noah moves to attack, Willow takes a stand. Using her oxygen tank as a blow torch, she sets Noah ablaze. The flames force him to release her and collapse. Imogen pulls Willow to safety as the flames consume Noah entirely, leaving nothing but charred remains.

---

The final revelation in The Beast Within

A still from The Beast Within (Image via Well Go USA Entertainment)

In a twist, the final moments of The Beast Within reveal that the werewolf narrative is a metaphor. Flashbacks show that Noah was not a supernatural creature but an abusive husband and father.

The werewolf story is a construct of Willow’s imagination, a coping mechanism to process the violence she witnessed in her home. Key scenes, such as Noah’s chaining and Imogen’s injuries, are interpreted as evidence of domestic abuse rather than supernatural events.

This revelation transforms the narrative of the film, offering a powerful commentary on trauma and resilience. The closing scene shows Willow and Imogen leaving their home, symbolizing a fresh start and a break from the cycle of abuse.

---

The Beast Within blends psychological drama with supernatural elements to deliver a layered narrative. By examining themes of abuse, coping mechanisms, and familial bonds, the film challenges viewers to explore dual interpretations of its story.

Its ambiguous ending ensures its impact resonates, sparking meaningful discussions about the nature of trauma and the ways individuals process it. The film is now streaming on Hulu and Apple TV.