Ending Explainer for “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen”

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The show Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen truly embodies its title, delivering a narrative where a catastrophic event unfolds during the wedding of Rachel Harkin (played by Camila Morrone) and Nicky Cunningham (played by Adam DiMarco). This devastating incident leaves a scene of chaos, with bloodshed and numerous fatalities among the Cunninghams, transforming what should be a joyful occasion into a horrific spectacle.

While the overwhelming bloodshed might suggest a bleak outcome, the conclusion of the story offers a glimmer of hope for the troubled couple. A surprising twist at the end of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen provides an unexpected turn of events that leaves viewers intrigued and eager for deeper exploration. Join us as we unravel the details of this gripping narrative.

Understanding the Wedding Curse in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Before delving into the climactic moments of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, it is essential to revisit the show’s fourth episode, where a sinister curse is introduced, one that has haunted Rachel’s family lineage for generations. This chilling tale is relayed to Rachel by a mysterious older man (Zlatko Burić), who ominously inquires, “Are you sure he’s the one?” This seemingly innocuous question carries a deeper foreboding, serving both as a warning and a prelude to the chaos that ensues.

The origins of the curse are traced back to the man’s distant ancestors, who shared a passionate love story. Tragically, before their wedding, the groom suffered a fatal accident during a hunting trip. In a desperate plea, the bride implored Death to restore her beloved to life, leading to a perilous bargain. Death agreed to her request on the condition that she genuinely believed he was her true soulmate. This pact was fulfilled but at a staggering cost: all descendants of the couple were henceforth cursed to either find their soulmate or perish.

This curse was then passed down to the man, who was engaged to Marianne, Rachel’s great-great-great-great-great-grandmother. Faced with the ultimatum of marrying his soulmate by sunset on their wedding day or facing death, he abandoned his bride at the altar. Consequently, this curse became intertwined with Rachel’s bloodline, imposing a dire obligation on every Harkin to marry their soulmate before sunset on their wedding day.

The stakes are high: marrying the wrong person results in a gruesome fate—death by hemorrhage. Should anyone choose to flee the wedding, the curse transfers to their fiancé’s family. As for the man, he became an unwilling immortal, condemned to witness the tragedies of every Harkin wedding as punishment for his cowardice.

It is undeniable that the “soulmate” aspect of this curse presents an insurmountable challenge. Even for those who believe in the concept of soulmates, the odds of finding “the one” amidst billions of potential partners are overwhelmingly slim. Furthermore, the curse acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy: awareness of it instills doubt, compelling Harkins to question their love just as they stand at the altar. Such uncertainty can spell disaster for any Harkin wedding.

What Choices Does Rachel Make in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen?

Camila Morrone in “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.”
Credit: Netflix

With the horrifying implications of the curse weighing heavily on her, Rachel faces a daunting decision on her wedding day. If she proceeds to marry Nicky and he proves to be anything other than her soulmate, she faces a grim fate. Conversely, if she chooses to abandon the wedding, she dooms the Cunningham family to inherit the same curse. While she might consider postponing the wedding indefinitely as a potential solution, the ceremony is also a final celebration for Nicky’s terminally ill mother, Victoria (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh), adding immense pressure on both Rachel and Nicky to adhere to the wedding schedule.

In a desperate bid for survival, Rachel concocts a potion intended to transform her into Nicky’s soulmate. She is confident in its efficacy, as it previously saved her great-aunt during a wedding catastrophe that claimed the lives of many other Harkins. However, at the last moment, Rachel chooses not to consume the potion, believing wholeheartedly that Nicky is indeed her soulmate. Ultimately, she decides to follow through with the wedding, an act that leaves her with a sense of hope.

Exploring the Effects of the Curse in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Camila Morrone in “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.”
Credit: Netflix

During the wedding, it is Nicky who hesitates. After reciting their vows and Rachel placing the wedding ring on his finger, he suddenly questions the validity of their marriage. Despite Rachel’s previous skepticism about marriage, Nicky chooses this moment to ponder their commitment, showcasing his questionable timing.

Nicky’s moment of doubt leads to a catastrophic consequence: the sun sets before they can complete the ceremony. As a result, the curse’s next phase is activated, transferring its burden to Nicky’s bloodline. This reveal indicates that the implications of the curse extend beyond just the present; it affects all future generations.

This means that every Cunningham family member married to someone they do not genuinely consider their soulmate—essentially everyone—begins to experience gruesome deaths, bleeding out before the shocked guests. Just as the celebratory atmosphere was building, the reality of the curse turns the joyous occasion into a tragedy.

How Jules Manages to Survive in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Karla Crome and Jeff Wilbusch in “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.”
Credit: Netflix

Victoria and Portia (Gus Birney) are tragically among the numerous Cunninghams who fall victim to the curse during the wedding chaos in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. However, one married Cunningham stands apart: Jules (Jeff Wilbusch), whose relationship with Nell (Karla Crome) has been strained since the start of the series, with divorce plans looming over them.

As the carnage unfolds, Nell questions why Jules remains unharmed while the rest of his family succumbs to the curse. In a poignant moment, he gazes at her with affection, suggesting that despite their challenges, he firmly believes she is his soulmate, offering a rare instance of hope amidst the horror. This moment implies that survival is possible within the dark confines of the curse.

The Mystery of Nicky’s Survival in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Adam DiMarco in “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.”
Credit: Netflix

Interestingly, Jules is not the only married Cunningham to escape the curse’s wrath. As chaos erupts and family members begin to perish, Nicky realizes his mistake and attempts to hurriedly complete the marriage ceremony with Rachel. His belief that Rachel is his soulmate becomes the catalyst for his survival, allowing him to narrowly escape the curse’s deadly grip.

However, Rachel’s fate diverges tragically. Witnessing Nicky’s hesitance and his disbelief in her understanding of the curse causes her to doubt their bond. As their wedding rings are exchanged, Rachel resigns herself to the same fate her mother faced years prior, leading to her untimely death.

The Shocking Ending of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

Camila Morrone in “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.”
Credit: Netflix

Yet, Rachel’s journey does not conclude with her demise. Throughout the series, Death has been a lurking presence, and in a shocking turn of events, he claims the life of the witness who longed for release, ultimately resurrecting Rachel. This act raises questions about Death’s motives: does he believe Rachel deserves another chance, or is he merely seeking to perpetuate the curse with fresh energy?

Now, Rachel assumes the role of the new witness for future Cunningham weddings. Her predecessor leaves her an ominous message to signify her new responsibility: a note stating, “Your turn,” inscribed in blood, underscoring the dark legacy she now inherits.

Only one Cunningham remains for Rachel to guide: Jules and Nell’s son, Jude (Sawyer Fraser). While his future marriage remains uncertain, particularly after witnessing the chaos of the wedding, Rachel now has ample time to enjoy a life unencumbered by the curse. She also takes it upon herself to warn him about the importance of choosing a soulmate wisely.

However, the excitement of her newfound immortality may fade, potentially leading her to experience the burdens of the witness role, much like her predecessor. For now, as she drives away in the witness’s “Just Married” vehicle, tossing her wedding ring out the window, Rachel revels in her newfound freedom. Ironically, the “something very bad” she dreaded has transformed into an unexpected blessing for her.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is currently available for streaming on Netflix.