The Innocents ending explained

What happens

Miss Giddens presses Miles to name the man influencing him. Quint appears at the window, Miles says his name, and his heart gives out. He dies in her arms. The film never settles whether she freed him or killed him.

The last image

Miles lies lifeless in Miss Giddens's arms as she is left alone with what she has done.

Two readings

1 · A real hauntingQuint is truly there, and Miles dies breaking free of his hold.

2 · Her projectionHer fear and repression invented the ghosts, and her interrogation killed a frightened boy.

What it says

The film is built so both readings survive, so the ending refuses to rescue you with an answer. What stays with you is her certainty, and how far a protector's conviction can go before care turns into possession.