We discuss the ending of the Hulu film Darby and the Dead, which will contain spoilers.
Darby and the Dead is the kind of teen comedy that allows you to spot its ending from a mile away. The Hulu film falls flat because of its overuse of tropes and predictability despite its interesting premise. From the review of the film for Ready Steady Cut:
Darby Harper is, in many ways, your average high school misfit. She disdains the popular cheerleaders, especially the Queen Bee who used to be her best friend, and scoffs at the lack of sophistication amongst her fellow students. She prides herself on not fitting in, not realizing that she’s just as judgemental as the cliquey girls at her school. However, Darby is special in one major way: she can talk to dead people.
Riele Downs and Auli’i Cravalho are able to salvage good performances, but there’s little else of note in this film that feels like it was made for the Disney Channel, except for the frequent cussing.
Darby and the Dead ending explained – will Capri pass over to the afterlife?
By the time Capri’s birthday party arrives, Darby and Capri are on bad terms because Capri mistakenly thinks, along with the rest of the school, that Darby is dating her ex-boyfriend. James is interested in Darby, maybe simply because she’s the person he’s seen when she’s dropped off his schoolwork, and during his return to high school, he makes it appear like they’re dating. Capri makes her presence at the party known, talking to James via a Ouija board and threatening to humiliate Darby even more if she doesn’t admit the truth to everyone. But despite Darby sharing her special abilities, it just gets her labeled a freak again.
When Capri comes to apologize for her out-of-line behavior, she reveals that she found Darby’s mother, who actually hasn’t moved on. Darby is reunited briefly with her mom, who has been waiting to see her daughter happy. Both Capri and Darby’s mother feel content in their missions and are able to move onward to the afterlife.
Darby pursues a friendship, but not a relationship, with James, Capri’s ex, and decides to remain on the cheer squad. She finds out that Gary’s wife is near death and they will soon be able to move on together. The most shocking reveal is that Darby’s crush Alex shares her ability to see and talk to dead people, after being involved in a near-death experience of his own the year prior. The two bond, finally having someone who understands them, and decide to pursue a relationship.
A flash forward at the very end of the film reveals that Darby and Alex are still dating and are spending their Friday nights, helping dead people finish their earthly business and move on together. Darby has learned to treasure her special ability while still managing to have a social life with the living. Her experiences with Capri have taught her to be less judgemental and more accepting of her peers.
The ending is exactly what you would expect from a high school comedy of this type. It ties everything together neatly, without any real surprises or willingness to stray from its formula.
What did you think of the ending of the Hulu film Darby and the Dead? Comment below.
