Kyle’s Fate: Possessed or Saved? Bloat’s Shocking Ending Revealed!

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In today’s tech-driven era, filmmakers have found creative methods to spin tales unlike ever before. A notable example is the expanding catalog of screenlife horror films and thrillers, such as Unfriended, Host, Spree, and Searching. By employing a screen-sharing style, this subgenre immerses audiences in a digital world, seamlessly moving between video calls, surveillance footage, online searches, text messages, and other forms of digital communication. The result is a gripping narrative where characters either race to solve a mystery or flee from danger while confined within the boundaries of their computer screens.

Often, films of this type introduce a supernatural aspect to amplify tension and restrict technology options since it tends to malfunction around the unknown – much like Bloat does. Under the guidance of acclaimed director Pablo Absento, the movie delves into an ancient Japanese folklore demon through a modern-day horror story about possession. This innovative film technique is underscored by contrasting technology with legend, showcasing the genre’s contemporary cinematic style. The narrative revolves around Jack Reynolds (Ben McKenzie), a U.S. Army AI Operator stationed overseas, who keeps in touch with his family on vacation in Japan virtually. When his son Kyle (Sawyer Jones) experiences a near-drowning incident in a nearby lake and exhibits unusual behavior afterwards, Jack suspects that the boy might have been possessed.

Unlike many screenlife films that conclude with either everyone perishing or a puzzle being unraveled, the ending of Bloat leaves some ambiguity. Did Jack manage to rescue his family just before the demon completely overtook Kyle, or was he unable to act in time?

What Is ‘Bloat’ About?

From a film enthusiast’s perspective, I’d say that the innovative cinematography of screenlifers is beautifully reflected in every scene we witness, and this rule holds true for the opening of Bloat. The movie starts with Jack and his wife Hannah (played by Bojana Novakovic) capturing their third child’s birth on Jack’s phone. As they joyfully welcome their first daughter into the world, an unforeseen tragedy strikes – the sudden, unexpected demise of their newborn.

As time goes by, the parents make efforts to continue with life and cope with their sorrow, but Jack opts to step away from his military role and plan a therapeutic family vacation in Tokyo to recover from the shared distress. Regrettably, conflict in the Middle East intensifies, forcing him to return to active duty. In the meantime, Hannah and their children Steve (Malcolm Fuller) and Kyle embark on their Japan trip, with Jack experiencing it indirectly through FaceTime conversations.

Regardless of the less-than-perfect circumstances, the family manages to enjoy themselves. Tragically, during Hannah and the boys’ leisure time at a nearby lake, an unexpected incident occurs – Kyle nearly drowns. Fortunately, in that particular instance, Kyle is revived (although he spits out a concerning amount of green phlegm).

Over the subsequent days, I found myself displaying some peculiar actions. I developed an uncontrollable craving for cucumbers, took an unusual interest in insects, erupted in unexplained fits of anger while yearning to return home, failed to respond appropriately to social signals, and inexplicably learned how to swim. Recognizing these strange developments, my friend Jack sprang into action, determined to assist me. He delved into online research, scrutinized security footage, consulted a shared platform of similar supernatural occurrences, and even enlisted the help of his friend Ryan (Kane Kosugi) for an in-person investigation.

It won’t take much time before Jack becomes convinced that Kyle has been taken over by a Japanese folklore demon called Kappa, a shape-shifter known for its trickery and drowning children. While this urban legend is often employed to caution kids about swimming safety, the character of Bloat is portrayed as a predator who has previously possessed another child. Given that the boy he had possessed earlier died, Jack feels an urgency to get to his family in order to save Kyle from meeting the same end.

Jack Arrives a Little Too Late

While on active duty, Jack is unable to leave his post to personally visit his family. Instead, he entrusts a reliable friend named Ryan to go to Tokyo in his stead. During this trip, Ryan meets with a Buddhist monk who seems to possess information about Kyle’s situation. In their conversation, the monk urges Jack and Ryan to act swiftly before Kappa takes Kyle’s soul and permanently occupies his body. Being a military man himself, Ryan sets out on a mission to venture into the nearby woods where Kyle has been going at night, with the intention of eliminating it.

Upon arriving, Jack discovers that Hannah has perished as well, submerged in a tub filled with the same gooey substance that Kyle had coughed out, and her face mangled by what appears to be claw marks.

In a desperate bid to save my children, I’m ready to take on any challenge, perhaps as a way to make up for the daughter I couldn’t save earlier. But it’s more about that unyielding paternal instinct kicking in. So, I decide to set our home alight. As the flames engulf the house, Steve texts me while he’s out with the neighbors, informing me that Kyle remained behind. The final shots of this climactic scene show distorted footage of Kappa, our home consumed by fire, and me calling out for Kyle before the screen fades to black.

In summary, although Jack managed to get there at the nick of time to secure Steve’s safety, he came too late to shield Hannah. Furthermore, due to the fact that Kyle is never shown on screen during this scene, it remains vague for viewers whether a successful exorcism occurred or if Jack also lost Kyle in the process.

Does Kyle Survive the Possession?

In the movie, after the intense confrontation, it concludes with a court trial for Jack due to his abandoning his post, resulting in two tragic deaths and a house being set ablaze. The film portrays Kyle’s mother and both sons delivering emotional testimonies that highlight Jack’s actions as selfless efforts to safeguard their family.

Kyle’s demeanor during court proceedings suggests a return to his normal, youthful self. When questioned about his father, he unequivocally declares his love and admiration for him. Gone are the intense gazes, peculiar mannerisms like cucumber-eating, insect references, emotional outbursts, or unsettling silences in conversation. Is it safe to assume that Kappa has been expelled by the exorcism?

In the closing scene, Kyle seems to experience a brief technical hiccup, mirroring the camera malfunctions during scenes featuring Kappa throughout the film. This glitch hinted strongly to Jack that there were supernatural occurrences involving his son. Given that Kappa’s intent, as uncovered by Jack’s research, was to escape Japan due to feeling imprisoned, this final glitch implies that Kyle may still be under Kappa’s control.

In essence, it sets up a chilling contrast for Jack, as he encounters ordinary life outside, but hidden danger lurks within his own dwelling.

Rent Bloat on Prime Video now.

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2025-03-13 00:32