What is the ending of Anything for Jackson explained?

The core of the ending builds towards the final ritual. Dr. Henry and Audrey Walsh attempt the 'reverse exorcism' to place their deceased grandson's soul into the unborn child of their captive, Becker. Following an ancient grimoire, they perform the steps which require a host, an incantation, and a sacrifice. However, their limited understanding of the occult unleashes far more powerful and malevolent forces than they ever intended.

Anything for Jackson (2020): Movie Review & Ending Explained

Q: What is the Movie Anything for Jackson About?

Anything for Jackson is about a grieving elderly couple, Audrey and Henry Walsh, who are devastated by the death of their grandson, Jackson. In a desperate attempt to bring him back, they kidnap a pregnant woman named Becker to perform a 'reverse exorcism.' Their plan is to use an ancient ritual to place Jackson's soul into the woman's unborn child. However, the ritual goes horribly wrong, and instead of summoning their grandson, they open a portal for numerous malevolent spirits who terrorize them in their home.

Q: Is Anything for Jackson scary?

Yes, Anything for Jackson is considered very scary, but it prioritizes psychological dread and a deeply unsettling atmosphere over cheap jump scares. The horror comes from the disturbing premise, the characters' desperation, and the grotesque and chilling visuals of the various spirits that are unleashed. The film builds a slow-burn terror that gets under the viewer's skin, making for a profoundly effective and memorable horror experience.

Anything for Jackson is a 2020 Canadian supernatural horror film directed by Justin G. Dyck. The plot follows a bereaved elderly couple who kidnap a pregnant woman to perform a ‘reverse exorcism,’ intending to place the spirit of their deceased grandson, Jackson, into her unborn child.

Are you ready for a horror film that genuinely subverts your expectations? Forget your typical ghost stories and slasher flicks. We’re talking about Anything for Jackson, a chilling 2020 gem that flips the script on demonic possession. This film pushes grief, love, and desperation to terrifying new heights. If you’ve been seeking something genuinely unsettling with a twisted premise, you’ve likely heard whispers about this one.

Here at IWatchMovies Blog, we love films that get under your skin, and Anything for Jackson is a prime example. It isn’t just another jump-scare fest; it’s a masterclass in psychological dread with a darkly humorous edge. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore what makes this Canadian horror offering so unique and dissect its most disturbing moments. We will then provide a full Anything for Jackson ending explained section, breaking down every shocking twist. Finally, we’ll cover the standout cast and show you where to stream this macabre masterpiece.

So, buckle up, horror hounds. Before we delve into the scares and the ultimate fate of its desperate protagonists, let’s first explore the audacious premise at the dark heart of Anything for Jackson.

What is the Movie Anything for Jackson About?

An older couple with solemn expressions in a dimly lit living room, hinting at a hidden, dark secret. — A photorealistic, professional photography style image of an older Caucasian couple, mid-60s, looking slightly worn but determined. They are seated closely on a sofa in a dimly lit, cozy yet somewhat cluttered living room. On a nearby side table, subtle elements like an old, leather-bound book with intricate carvings or a single flickering candle are visible, hinting at something unusual without being overtly ritualistic. The atmosphere is tense and expectant. High-quality stock photo style, shot with shallow depth of field, natural, soft, dramatic lighting.

A Grieving Couple’s Desperate Plan

Anything for Jackson introduces Audrey and Henry Walsh, a seemingly ordinary elderly couple. Their lives, however, have been shattered by overwhelming grief following the recent death of their beloved grandson, Jackson.

Overcome by despair, they hatch a desperate plan: to perform a “reverse exorcism.” This isn’t a typical battle against evil. Instead, their goal is to bring Jackson back from the dead by forcing a demon to possess an unborn child, hoping the child will become a new host for their grandson’s soul.

Driven by profound love, their extreme act leads them into forbidden territory. Believing the dark ritual is their only hope, they embark on a dangerous journey into the occult, setting the stage for the terrifying events that follow.

The Horrors of a Reverse Exorcism

The film quickly escalates into a chilling nightmare when Audrey and Henry kidnap a pregnant woman named Becker. She becomes the unwilling participant in their bizarre ritual, as they intend to use her unborn child as a vessel for Jackson’s spirit.

However, rituals of this nature rarely go as planned. Instead of summoning Jackson, the couple opens a terrifying door to something far more sinister. Their reverse exorcism inadvertently unleashes a horde of demonic entities into their home—malevolent and ancient spirits with their own agendas.

The couple soon faces horrifying manifestations, from strange noises to unsettling visions. These entities torment them physically and psychologically, revealing they want to claim the unborn child for themselves. Audrey and Henry quickly realize their grave mistake and find themselves trapped in a battle for their very souls. Now, saving Becker and her baby is paramount, but escaping the unleashed horrors is nearly impossible as their home transforms into a supernatural battleground.

Is Anything for Jackson scary?

A shadowy, unsettling figure with distorted features partially visible in a dark, ominous hallway. — A photorealistic, professional photography style image depicting a shadowy, unsettling, and subtly distorted human-like figure partially visible in a darkened hallway. The figure’s form is ambiguous, with long, gaunt limbs and a barely discernible face that suggests a malevolent supernatural presence. Focus on creating a strong sense of dread and unease. The lighting is low-key with dramatic, deep shadows and harsh highlights, emphasizing the mystery and horror. High-quality stock photo style, cinematic quality, captured with a wide-angle lens to enhance the feeling of space and isolation.

Analyzing the Film’s Scares and Atmosphere

Is Anything for Jackson genuinely scary? The answer is a resounding “yes,” though perhaps not in the way you might expect. From its opening scenes, this 2020 horror gem masterfully builds an unsettling atmosphere by diving deep into a unique brand of terror.

The film’s deeply disturbing premise follows a grieving couple, Audrey and Henry Walsh, as they attempt a reverse exorcism. Their actions immediately set a tone of desperation and forbidden ritual, creating a heavy atmosphere of dread that signals something is profoundly wrong.

Rather than relying on dark shadows and jump scares, the movie slowly builds horror through psychological unease. The terror stems from the escalating consequences of the couple’s desperate actions, amplified by disturbing visuals that start subtly before becoming overtly gruesome.

Key elements contributing to the chilling atmosphere include:

The unsettling quietness of the Walsh home.
The gradual appearance of strange, ghostly figures.
The palpable desperation of the main characters.
The violation of sacred practices for selfish gain.

The scares in Anything for Jackson are not cheap thrills; they are earned, stemming directly from the story’s grim unfolding. This approach ensures the movie leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Jump Scares vs. Psychological Dread

While many modern horror films lean on jump scares, Anything for Jackson largely avoids this common trope. The film opts for a more sophisticated approach, focusing on psychological dread to create a more profound and lasting sense of terror.

The film does feature a few startling moments, but they are sparse and impactful, serving the narrative rather than acting as a crutch for cheap frights. The movie’s horror is rooted in its characters’ plight, with their moral compromises creating a palpable sense of anxiety.

Disturbing imagery and grotesque body horror elements contribute greatly to the overall unease. Specters are not just fleeting shadows but are often unsettlingly present, delivering a sense of pervasive evil.

Anything for Jackson achieves its horror through:

Creepy visual effects and unsettling creature design.
The slow unraveling of sanity for the characters.
A pervasive sense of moral decay and cosmic horror.
The consequences of tampering with powerful, unknown forces.

If you seek a film that gets under your skin, this is it. By prioritizing slow-burn atmosphere and chilling psychological tension, Anything for Jackson delivers a truly memorable and effective horror experience.

Anything for Jackson ending explained

An antique wooden baby crib in a desolate, dimly lit nursery, emitting an unnatural green glow. — A photorealistic, professional photography style image of an antique wooden baby crib placed in the center of an otherwise barren, dimly lit nursery. The crib is empty, but a faint, unnatural, eerie green light emanates from within, casting long, distorted shadows of the crib’s bars onto the surrounding walls. The room is stark, with peeling wallpaper and a sense of wrongness and unsettling quiet pervading the scene. High-quality stock photo style, atmospheric, professional studio lighting designed to create a sense of foreboding.

Breaking Down the Final Ritual

At its core, Anything for Jackson builds towards a harrowing “reverse exorcism.” The film follows Dr. Henry and Audrey Walsh, a grieving couple who aim to resurrect their deceased grandson, Jackson, through a terrifying and unconventional method.

To do this, they kidnap a pregnant woman named Becker, intending to use her unborn child as a vessel for Jackson’s soul. The couple follows a ritual from an ancient grimoire, but they quickly discover their understanding of the occult is dangerously limited.

While Henry and Audrey diligently perform the incantations, the ritual requires more than just a host—it demands a catalyst for the soul transfer. Their attempt unleashes far more than they bargained for.

Instead of summoning only Jackson, the ritual opens a portal that attracts a host of malevolent spirits. Drawn to the power of the ceremony, these entities turn the Walsh home into a terrifying battleground, and the couple’s desperate act spirals into chaos.

As they attempt to contain the encroaching darkness, the situation quickly overwhelms them. The house fills with the spirits of the dead, each presenting a fresh horror, turning the reverse exorcism into a desperate struggle for survival.

The Fate of the Characters

Audrey and Henry Walsh: The couple’s journey ends in tragic desperation. Although they succeed in bringing a version of Jackson back, the price is immense. Audrey is killed by the very forces they unleashed, and Henry survives just long enough to witness the terrifying “resurrection.” He too succumbs to the chaos as his grandson seemingly returns. Ultimately, the love that fueled their actions also leads to their horrific downfall.
Becker: As the vessel for the ritual, Becker endures immense torment and is repeatedly possessed by different entities. In the climax, her body is transformed as she becomes the host for the “new” Jackson. She ultimately gives birth to a monstrous, decaying infant—the creature implied to be their grandson. Becker’s fate is grim; though she survives the ordeal, she is forever changed and forced to carry the horror with her.
Jackson (The Entity): The film’s conclusion confirms Jackson’s return, but he is not the innocent child the Walshes remember. The ritual brings back a demonic, decaying infant with glowing red eyes that clearly carries the ritual’s malevolent energy. This entity is a twisted, horrific parody of their lost grandson, and the film leaves its ultimate power ambiguous.
Other Possessed Victims: Several other characters are lured into the Walsh home and become collateral damage. Possessed by the malevolent spirits drawn to the ritual, many meet gruesome ends or are used as pawns in the unfolding horror. Their fates highlight the wide-ranging and tragic consequences of Audrey and Henry’s actions.

The True Meaning of the Film’s Conclusion

The ending of Anything for Jackson serves as a chilling exploration of grief and obsession, delving into the desperate lengths parents might go for a lost child. The film argues that such acts have dire consequences. While Audrey and Henry’s love for Jackson is undeniable, their methods are deeply flawed and dangerous.

The movie critiques the notion of playing God, showing the danger of dabbling in forces beyond human comprehension. Consequently, the “resurrection” is not a joyous reunion but a terrifying mockery of their desires. They get “Jackson” back, but as a demonic aberration.

The ending also serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting nature of sorrow. The Walshes sacrifice their morality, their lives, and the lives of others for a twisted semblance of their lost loved one. Their “victory” is a profound tragedy that underscores the film’s dark message: some things are better left undisturbed.

The potent final shot of Becker with the demonic infant symbolizes the lasting legacy of the couple’s hubris. It shows that the horror continues even after the Walshes are gone. Ultimately, the film suggests that true loss must be processed, as trying to subvert death only leads to unimaginable terror.

Who is in the Anything for Jackson cast?

The chilling horror of Anything for Jackson is undeniably amplified by its incredible cast. These actors bring immense talent to their roles, grounding the film’s supernatural terrors in genuine human emotion. Let’s dive into the brilliant performers who make this movie unforgettable.

Sheila McCarthy as Audrey Walsh

Sheila McCarthy delivers a truly compelling performance in the pivotal role of Audrey Walsh, a grieving grandmother heartbroken by the loss of her grandson, Jackson. McCarthy masterfully portrays Audrey’s descent into a desperation that leads her to a dark, forbidden ritual. Her complex and captivating portrayal expertly balances maternal love with chilling fanaticism.

A veteran Canadian actress with a career spanning decades, McCarthy has appeared in many acclaimed films and television shows, such as The Stone Angel and Goon ^[1]. In Anything for Jackson, she commands the screen, making Audrey a character you both fear and pity. Furthermore, her palpable chemistry with Julian Richings effectively sells the couple’s shared grief.

Julian Richings as Henry Walsh

Opposite McCarthy is the unmistakable Julian Richings as Henry Walsh. Known for his unique look and intense portrayals, Richings brings a quiet gravitas to Dr. Henry Walsh, a respected obstetrician who is equally consumed by grief. With controlled intensity, Richings portrays a man pushed to his limits, his moral compass completely shattered as he willingly participates in the horrifying scheme.

Richings has a prolific career playing memorable, distinctive characters, including Death in Supernatural and roles in Cube and Orphan Black ^[2]. In Anything for Jackson, his nuanced performance conveys Henry’s internal struggle with minimal dialogue, truly embodying the film’s unsettling atmosphere. His solemn demeanor perfectly complements McCarthy’s more expressive anguish.

Konstantina Mantelos as Becker

Rounding out the main trio is Konstantina Mantelos as Becker, the unsuspecting pregnant woman chosen for the reverse exorcism. After being abducted and held captive, Becker becomes central to the Walsh’s sinister plan. Mantelos brings a vital vulnerability to the role, effectively portraying her character’s terror and confusion to ground the supernatural chaos in genuine human fear.

Mantelos delivers a standout performance, navigating the character’s terrifying ordeal with incredibly genuine reactions that draw the audience into her nightmare. She masterfully communicates Becker’s chilling, growing understanding of her predicament. Her work is crucial in elevating the film’s tension, making the supernatural threats feel all the more real.

Anything for Jackson where to watch?

Current Streaming Availability (Shudder)

Horror fans looking for the chilling Canadian film Anything for Jackson can find it exclusively on Shudder. As a premium streaming service, Shudder specializes in horror, thriller, and supernatural content, offering a vast library for genre enthusiasts.

Subscribing is straightforward, and the service often provides a free trial for new users to explore its curated collection. Shudder is widely accessible in several regions, including:

The United States
Canada
The United Kingdom
Ireland
Australia
New Zealand ^[3]

If you live in one of these countries and love a good scare, Shudder is the go-to platform to stream Anything for Jackson.

Digital Purchase and Rental Options

If you don’t have a Shudder subscription or simply prefer to own your favorite films, Anything for Jackson is also available to rent or buy from various digital platforms. This option offers greater flexibility for viewers who want to access the movie.

Common services where you can typically find the movie include:

Amazon Prime Video: Often offers both rental and purchase options. Prices can vary.
Google Play: Another popular platform for digital rentals and purchases.
Apple TV (iTunes): A reliable source for buying or renting movies digitally.
Vudu: Known for its extensive digital library, including new releases and catalog titles.
Microsoft Store: Available for users with Xbox or Windows devices.

Because availability and pricing can differ by region, we recommend checking your preferred digital storefront to find the best option. Whether you stream it or own it, Anything for Jackson promises a unique and unsettling viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anything for Jackson on Netflix?

Unfortunately, Anything for Jackson is not available to stream on Netflix. Instead, this chilling horror film streams on Shudder, a service dedicated to horror, thrillers, and the supernatural ^[4].

However, since streaming rights often change, it’s worth checking other platforms. The movie may be available for digital rental or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or Apple TV. Be sure to confirm the latest availability in your region.

Where can I find the official Anything for Jackson trailer?

Finding the official Anything for Jackson trailer is easy. The best place to look is YouTube.

A quick search for “Anything for Jackson official trailer” will bring up the main promotional video ^[5]. The trailer offers a perfect peek into the film’s unique blend of folk horror and unsettling scares without giving away too much.

Is Anything for Jackson based on a true story?

Despite its disturbingly unique premise, Anything for Jackson is not based on a true story. The film is a complete work of fiction.

The story of a desperate couple attempting a reverse exorcism is an original creation from director Justin G. Dyck and writer Keith Cooper ^[6]. Its unsettling effectiveness comes from masterful storytelling, so you can enjoy the horrors knowing it’s all part of a well-crafted cinematic nightmare.