Tarot emerges as the dark horse among 2024’s horror lineup, delivering an unexpected blend of inventive death sequences and chilling creature design that stretches the boundaries of PG-13 terror. Boasting a cast featuring both familiar faces and rising talents like Avantika, Jacob Batalon, and Harriet Slater, the film ingeniously transforms a seemingly mundane premise into a spine-tingling journey. Set against the backdrop of an innocuous AirBnB, a group of friends stumbles upon an ancient tarot deck, triggering a series of events that plunge them into a nightmare realm.
Led by their spiritually attuned friend Haley (played by Slater), the group delves into the mysteries of the cards, unaware of the ominous fate that awaits them. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Final Destination, Tarot adopts a supernatural slasher format, as each member meets their demise in ways ominously foreshadowed by their tarot readings. Yet, beneath the surface of these eerie occurrences lies a deep well of lore, gradually unveiled as the narrative unfolds.
The question looms: can anyone elude the astrological curse looming over the group, or are they all doomed to succumb to the whims of destiny? Fortunately, you need not consult the stars for answers, for I shall reveal the secrets that lie within the film’s twisted narrative.
What is ‘Tarot’ about?
In Tarot, the eerie tale unfolds not within the confines of a rustic cabin, but within the grand halls of a secluded mansion nestled deep in the woods, where a group of college friends engages in spirited drinking games. However, amidst the revelry, the façade of camaraderie masks a deeper rift as it’s unveiled that Haley and Grant (portrayed by Adain Bradley), once hailed as the most likely to tie the knot, have quietly parted ways. This revelation serves as a pivotal point in their character arcs, casting a shadow over their interactions throughout the film.
As libations dwindle, the group ventures deeper into the labyrinthine mansion in search of replenishment, only to stumble upon a chilling discovery: a vast basement brimming with arcane relics, reminiscent of the sinister depths explored in “The Cabin in the Woods,” albeit devoid of its satirical edge. Amongst the eerie paraphernalia lies an ancient box containing a deck of tarot cards, their faded images hinting at untold secrets and foreboding omens.
Driven by curiosity and perhaps a hint of morbid fascination, each member of the group submits to having their fate foretold by Haley, as the readings unfold eerily akin to the premonitions in “Final Destination.” While Tarot at times feels like a tapestry woven from the threads of horror tropes and cinematic influences, there’s an inherent comfort in its familiarity, offering viewers a sense of ease even amidst its unsettling revelations.
Within the cards lie depictions of enigmatic creatures—symbols of the group’s deepest fears and desires—ranging from the enigmatic High Priestess to the whimsical Fool, the ominous Hanging Man to the sinister Devil, the mystic Magician to the reclusive Hermit. With a diverse ensemble cast representing various star signs and personalities, the film navigates a complex web of interpersonal dynamics against the backdrop of impending doom.
Yet, amidst the shadows of impending fate, the true brilliance of Tarot emerges in its exquisite card design, each illustration breathing life into the ethereal creatures they represent. As the narrative unfolds, these spectral entities manifest in forms both terrifying and mesmerizing, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the unfolding mystery.
Tarot Ending Explained
Tarot delves deep into its mythology, perhaps even more so than necessary, yet its dedication to unraveling the intricate tapestry of its origins is undeniably commendable. The crux of the tale harks back to the 16th century, where a fateful encounter between a Hungarian Count and an astrologer set into motion a chain of events steeped in tragedy and malevolence. As the cards foretold doom for the Count’s unborn child, his desperate actions ignited a dark pact that bound the astrologer’s vengeful spirit to the very cards she once wielded.
Now, centuries later, her spectral presence lurks within the shadows, assuming the guise of the figures depicted on the tarot cards she inhabits. It’s a chilling revelation that casts a pall of dread over the final act, as the unsuspecting protagonists find themselves ensnared in her sinister game of fate.
The character of Paige meets her demise in what can only be described as the film’s pièce de résistance, a sequence that stands as a testament to Avantika’s commanding presence and her aptitude for leading a horror narrative. Fleeing from the shape-shifting astrologer, Paige’s harrowing escape culminates in a macabre performance, as she becomes the unwitting participant in a twisted illusion orchestrated by the malevolent magician.
Though the scene spares audiences the explicit gore typically associated with such horrors, Avantika’s visceral portrayal imbues the moment with an unsettling intensity that lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying it as the film’s defining moment.
With Alma also succumbing to the astrologer’s wrath, the burden of confronting the ancient evil falls squarely upon Haley’s shoulders. Yet, amidst the chaos, a tender moment of reconciliation unfolds between Haley and Grant, their renewed bond serving as a beacon of hope amid the encroaching darkness.
As Haley confronts the astrologer with a blend of empathy and resolve, delving into her own painful past to forge a connection with her tormentor, the final confrontation unfolds in a crescendo of emotional catharsis. With the cards reversed and the death card at its center, the astrologer’s grip on reality wanes, culminating in a climactic battle that sees the forces of light triumph over darkness.
In the aftermath, Haley and Grant emerge as the sole survivors, their newfound unity serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Yet, as they depart the mansion’s haunted halls, a lingering sense of uncertainty shrouds their fate, leaving audiences to ponder the possibility of unseen perils awaiting in the shadows of tomorrow.
As Haley and Grant tread the lonely road, a glimmer of hope emerges from the darkness in the form of an unexpected arrival: Paxton, miraculously alive and well. Jacob Batalon’s infectious charm and wit infuse the scene with a sense of relief and joviality, reminding viewers of the sheer joy he brings to the screen. His survival, attributed to his “cat-like reflexes,” elicits a chuckle, yet it’s the quirky revelation about his roommate unwittingly rescuing him that truly encapsulates the film’s delightful blend of humor and ingenuity.
Indeed, Tarot’s knack for addressing every lingering question with a dash of self-awareness is a testament to its meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in its quest to entertain and enthrall. While the film occasionally flirts with flashy and somber tones, at its core, it’s a rollicking ride brimming with excitement and intrigue.
As the narrative draws to a close, a sense of satisfaction washes over the viewer, buoyed by the knowledge that every loose end has been neatly tied. Though the journey may have been fraught with peril and uncertainty, the conclusion leaves audiences content, basking in the warm glow of a tale well-told. And with the tantalizing prospect of future adventures lingering on the horizon, Tarot bids farewell with a promise of more thrills and excitement yet to come.