Lullaby is a 2022 horror film directed by John R. Leonetti that explores the terrifying legend of Lilith through the lens of a new mother’s struggle. The film stars Oona Chaplin as Rachel, a woman who unknowingly summons the demon Lilith by singing a lullaby from an ancient book.
As Rachel fights to protect her baby son Elias from Lilith’s clutches, the film dives deep into motherhood, faith, and the sacrifices parents make for their children.
What Is The Legend of Lilith?
To understand the Lullaby ending, it’s important to know the backstory of Lilith. According to Jewish folklore, Lilith was Adam’s first wife who was cast out of the Garden of Eden for refusing to submit to him.
Wandering the earth alone, Lilith gave birth to flawed, grotesque babies out of jealousy for Adam and Eve’s perfect human children. Seeking vengeance, Lilith became a demon who spirits away the babies of those who sing her twisted lullaby – a song originally sung to her by Adam.
How Did Rachel Summon Lilith?
At the start of the film, Rachel is a new mother struggling to adjust to life with a newborn. Sleep-deprived and feeling disconnected from her husband John, Rachel discovers an old Hebrew children’s book among hand-me-downs from her institutionalized sister Vivian. Rachel begins singing the lullaby from the book to baby Elias, unknowingly summoning Lilith and her demonic minions.
As strange events escalate, Rachel and John seek help from Rabbi Cohen, who explains the lore of Lilith. The couple must avoid the three-part ritual that would allow Lilith to steal Elias:
- Singing the lullaby
- Killing an unclean beast
- Spilling the baby’s blood
Despite their efforts, John accidentally kills his pet cockatoo in the dark, completing the second part of the ritual.
Why Did Vivian Plant the Book?
It’s revealed that Rachel’s sister Vivian deliberately planted the book for Rachel to find. Vivian, who lost her own baby son Zachary, plans to summon Lilith and follow her into the underworld to reclaim Zachary. She attempts to complete Lilith’s ritual by pricking Elias’ finger, but Rachel intervenes. In the chaos, Lilith pulls Rachel, Vivian, and Elias into her realm.
What Happens in Lilith’s Underworld?
In Lilith’s underworld, Rachel and Vivian navigate a nightmarish labyrinth of cribs and mirrors. Each mirror provides a portal to the bedrooms of other couples with infants, implying the scope of Lilith’s power. The sisters locate Elias among the stolen babies, but Lilith attacks, attempting to drain Rachel’s life force.
At a critical moment, Vivian sacrifices herself to save Rachel and Elias, allowing them to escape. John uses a spell from Rabbi Cohen to banish Lilith back to the underworld. However, Rachel soon realizes that the baby she rescued is actually Zachary, not Elias. Vivian had switched the babies, tricking Rachel into saving her own child while Vivian faced Lilith’s wrath.
Was Rachel Able to Save Elias?
The Lullaby ending is bittersweet and open to interpretation. Rachel and John are left without their baby Elias, knowing they must find a way back into Lilith’s realm to save him.
Lullaby Ending Explained
In a mid-credits scene, we see Vivian, now possessed by Lilith, singing the lullaby to a baby in the underworld. This suggests that Vivian’s soul is trapped, doomed to serve Lilith for eternity in exchange for being with her son Zachary.
On a deeper level, the ending represents the lengths mothers will go to for their children. Both Rachel and Vivian are willing to face unimaginable horrors and sacrifice everything to protect and reunite with their babies. The film portrays the raw, imperfect reality of motherhood – the exhaustion, doubt, and overwhelming love that drives a mother’s actions.
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Conclusion
Through the lens of Jewish folklore, Lullaby reminds us that the most terrifying monsters may spring from our own desperation and best intentions. Rachel’s journey is a warning to be careful what we invite into our lives, but also a testament to the fierce, protective nature of motherhood in the face of unimaginable darkness.
