9 Horror Movie Victims Who Gave Up... And Survived

In The Happening, mathematician Elliot (Mark Wahlberg) discovers that plants in his area have begun producing spores, inciting any human nearby to take their own life. After Elliot hears people in his town have been infected, Elliot encourages his wife, Alma, and his friend's daughter, Jess, to relocate to a state unaffected by the outbreak.

Surmising that the plants only kill people in large groups, Elliot reasons that Alma, Jess, and himself should be fine so long as they don't go near anyone else.

While hiding out in a cabin, Elliot noticed the plants are starting to infect people individually. In that moment, Elliot believes he's simply delaying the inevitable since the slightest contact with a tree, airborne seed, or a blade of glass will result in his death. Left with no choice, Elliot, Alma, and Jesse march out of the cabin, accepting their demise.

To their surprise, nothing happens, implying the plants have ceased their attack upon humanity. It's possible Elliot's group was spared because the plants didn't see them as a threat. However, it's more likely they survived because the director didn't know how else to end the movie.