what happened at the end of wayward

At the end of the Netflix series "Wayward," the conclusion is complex and layered with ambiguity. The final episode reveals that police officer Alex, who initially seems to escape the cult town of Tall Pines with Abbie and a newborn baby, in reality stays behind with his wife Laura and the child. Laura, who was once a victim of the cult's brainwashing, appears to have become the new cult leader, taking over Evelyn's position. Alex convinces himself that staying is to protect his family, but it becomes clear he has made a grave mistake and is trapped in the cult's control. Meanwhile, Abbie manages to escape Tall Pines alone, driving away in Alex's car, offering a glimmer of hope that she is free, though deeply traumatized. Leila, on the other hand, chooses to remain in Tall Pines, influenced by the manipulative environment and the perceived stability the cult provides, despite its abuse. The show's ending is unsettling, with a mix of hopeful escapes and dark fate, leaving questions about the future of the town and its inhabitants. It closes on the note that the cult's influence continues, with the town accepting the newborn into their fold in a chilling ritual, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the cult's power.