The final point, and maybe the most poignant, is the deterministic feeling of it all. What makes this scene even more somber is knowing that Trish, the night before, saw the Creeper take her brother away, and is likely still holding onto a shred of hope that he's still okay. The messenger-like, single crow outside the rundown factory, the cold, wet, unforgiving interior, and Darry's chorus of screams all combine to set the stage. The final scene is brutal, and even evokes a sense of disappointment. It's not simply the outcome itself that is terrifying and poignant, but how it occurs. It is almost inconceivable to picture the Creeper actually getting his way. They're strong-willed, young, and have a psychic (Patricia Belcher) by their side, guiding them throughout this grisly journey. The entire buildup throughout the film leads you to believe that Darry and his sister, Trish, will escape. This leads me to another reason: it was genuinely surprising. In most horror films, the final girl/final boy does indeed survive, so this was likely the expected outcome for most folks watching. With the relatable sibling dynamic he shared with Trish (Gina Philips), and his fearful demeanor throughout the film, it was easy to root for Darry to survive his encounter with the cannibalistic demon Creeper. So many horror films, from the post-Scream renaissance of horror at the time of Jeepers Creepers' release, to today, feature thinly written characters who are difficult to care about. Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about the ending to Jeepers Creepers, and why it is so gut-wrenching to watch back, even 20 years later.įor starters, Darry (Justin Long) was an extremely likable character and had some depth.

Before I say anything else, yes, Victor Salva is deplorable, and I wish that his name was never associated with the Jeepers Creepers franchise.

Jeepers creepers movie meaning