Ready Or Not- Daniel should've lived

The 2019 movie Ready or Not ends with Grace surviving while the Le Domas family succumbs to their fate in a fiery explosion, fulfilling their deadly pact with Le Bail. Among the casualties is Daniel, the morally conflicted antihero who dies despite his efforts to help Grace escape. While his death aligns with the film’s dark themes of accountability and family legacy, it raises questions about whether Daniel deserved a different ending. A potential alternate conclusion, where Daniel survives by renouncing his family, could have added depth and hope to the story.

The Original Ending

Daniel’s death emphasizes the idea that complicity carries a price. Although he ultimately aids Grace, his years of silence and passive participation in his family’s evil pact weigh heavily on him. His death underscores the theme that no one in the Le Domas family can escape the consequences of their actions, no matter their intentions. Grace’s survival feels more empowering in contrast—she breaks free from the family and the curse entirely, becoming a symbol of defiance against their greed and violence.

However, Daniel’s character is more nuanced than the rest of his family. Unlike them, he is deeply tormented by their twisted traditions. His guilt and disillusionment show throughout the movie, especially in moments when he questions his family’s loyalty to Le Bail and their disregard for morality. His self-sacrificial act to protect Grace marks him as different, which begs the question: did he deserve to die with the rest of the family?

An Alternate Ending

In an alternate ending, Daniel could have fully rejected his family and their pact, taking a stand not just for Grace but also for himself. This choice would involve renouncing his loyalty to Le Bail and his family’s evil traditions, proving his genuine moral awakening. His defiance could lead to Le Bail sparing him as a rare exception, acknowledging Daniel’s courage and redemption. Grace and Daniel could then escape together, leaving the Le Domas legacy behind to start a new life.

This ending would add complexity to Daniel’s character arc. Instead of being defined by his complicity, Daniel would be remembered for his bravery in the face of overwhelming evil. It would also deepen the mythos of Le Bail, suggesting that redemption is possible even for those trapped within a generational curse, provided they fully confront their wrongdoing.

Why It Works

This alternate conclusion would shift the tone of the movie slightly, offering a glimmer of hope amid its otherwise dark narrative. Grace’s victory would remain intact, but Daniel’s survival would provide a more satisfying resolution to his inner conflict. It would also enhance the emotional impact, showing that love and redemption can triumph over even the darkest forces.

Conclusion

The original ending of Ready or Not is fitting and impactful, but allowing Daniel to survive by renouncing his family could have been equally compelling. It would underscore the power of redemption, offering viewers a message that even those complicit in evil can choose a better path and break free from the sins of the past.