The Ending Of Vivarium Explained

Often described as a feature-length episode of "The Twilight Zone," Lorcan Finnegan's "Vivarium" opens on Tom and Gemma, a couple who are at odds about their future. Gemma wants to live in the country, while Tom dreams of an exciting city life. They decide to compromise and look at houses in the suburbs, landing in front of real estate agent Martin (Jonathan Aris). He takes them to Yonder, a small town outside the city comprised of endless rows of identical homes.

When they're looking at Home #9, Martin vanishes, leaving Gemma and Tom all alone and stuck in Yonder after they inexplicably cannot find an exit. Not long after, the couple discovers a baby delivered to their doorstep, with a promise that they will be "released" if they raise him as their own. But the baby quickly becomes a young boy who behaves nothing like a normal child, mimicking them in their own voices and screeching like a banshee at the strangest times. They even find him watching bizarre images on the home's television in the middle of the night, and asking confounding questions about ordinary things.

Obsessed with finding a way out, Tom begins digging a hole in the front yard. Gemma meanwhile finds herself becoming protective of the child, who calls her mother, much to her chagrin. Little about this place makes any sense — to Gemma and Tom, or even the audience — but all they want is to go home.