Bea's father, Mr. Santello, is one of the characters noticeably absent from the epilogue to Night in the Woods. The game even draws attention to his absence during the pre-epilogue scene, where Bea is alone in her house, looking towards his signature couch. In light of this, many have speculated that Mr. Santello is a Cult member. But does this theory check out? Let's take a look!
Huge shout out to users @deshaunx776 and @monsieurlefrog8706 for suggesting this topic! Thank you for joining in on the theory crafting with me!
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i never noticed bea's dad was missing. i guess i was too focused on mae's monologue. also, if bea's dad was missing, wouldn't she seem more distressed? i see your point about her not being able to say it, but the developers could have ambiguously hinted at it by making her worried, sad, or something. it would leave the question of whether she's upset about her dad or the events of the night before.
It took me a few playthroughs to notice it myself! That's a good point - if he were missing, she would likely be much more distressed, and probably evasive when talking about the events of the night before. If the developers really viewed her dad as a cult member, I think they would've done something along those lines.
Honestly I don't think Bea's dad is part of the cult. From what we learn about what happened after his wife's death, it sounds like he can barely function, which is why Bea has to take over the Pick Axe, plus there is that message exchange where Bea tells Mae she's binging a show she likes. So that probably means she has the TV to herself. No proof, but what if someone from the cult tried to recruit him and that's why he's not seen? Like say Bea said something about the mine collapsing and he's worried about his friend?
That's a great point! She might just be binging some TV after a long and wild night (in the woods). The idea that perhaps a cult member had tried to recruit him and he's out looking for them is a good one! Would make sense too, because although I'm confident in my belief that he himself isn't a cult member, I'm sure he knows some people who are - he's too well connected around town not to!
I absolutely think her dad is in the cult, and that it’s still sinking in for Bea. That she’s hoping that she’s wrong, or just hasn’t checked the bedroom and seen him not there, or something like that. It just seemed TOO blatantly obvious that he wasn’t there. (However, If you only do Gregg’s hangouts, you never see Bea’s house or hear much of her backstory, so maybe they didn’t want to introduce a character at the end you’ve never met and have barely thought about) Mr Santello reminds me of my own dad, in a way. The kind of guy that USED to contribute, but doesn’t really anymore even though he could, and that makes his bias against people who aren’t meeting his “standards” even worse, because he’s projecting all of the stuff he hates about himself onto them. In my head-canon, he’s the guy who would keep going to the cult meetings to stay a part of everything, because he feels like if he hadn’t already been in it from the beginning, that he’s (right now) exactly the type that the cult would take - broken and “useless” while other people cover his ass and carry him. It’s why he lashes out at Bea, too - because in his head, fogged with the depression that he won’t acknowledge or handle, he’s already down in that pit, and has to “remind” everybody else that he’s NOT. Also - Maybe Roy Burge was MRS Santello’s dad? If Bea’s dad married into the family, and her mom has no other siblings or none that wanted the shop, it would make a lot of sense for it to be passed along to the two of them - a storefront in town is a big deal in a place like Possum Springs, having and running a business is like being an MVP in the eyes of the town council (and cult!).
Wow, thank you so much for the awesome comment! I can definitely seem where you're coming from - there are some good reasons to think he's in the cult, including the ones you mentioned! I think your head canon makes a lot of sense, and really lines up well with what we see from him in game. I like how you tied it back to his depression and outbursts at Bea. Love the part about him feeling like he's already down in the pit and has to remind people that he's not - that's some excellent analysis! I also love the idea that Roy Burge might've been Mrs. Santello's dad! That makes a ton of sense! Another commenter noted that based on some comments he makes while he's sleeping, it's clear that he's not originally from Possum Springs. So maybe he moved to Possum Springs as a young man, met Bea's mom, and took over her family's business. And like you said, all of that would make him of high value to the cult! Sorry to hear that Bea's dad reminds you of your own dad - unfortunately, he does the same for me in some ways.
I disagree but you bring up some good points. I like the idea that the message scene means she is just finding out that he is missing, but I disagree with Mr Santello's characterisation. I don't see a motive for him to be in it, because he dosen't seem to care enough. To me, he seems as someone who has checked out, but still wants to feel in control and thinks he knows better. If he can't put time into the business, I don't see him putting on a coat and running around the woods at night. That takes a lot of effort, when he could watch the next hockey game instead. I think if her father is in the cult then it is demanding a lot of time for him, which leads him to neglect the business. He could be the reason the cultists try to recruit everyone at the end of the game, but I think he would have revealed his identity to Bea atleast if that was true.
i think this is one of your best theories, i always thought Mr Santello was a weird guy who seemed to have alot of connections
Thank you, I appreciate it! Had a lot of fun putting this one together. I think that's a fair assessment of Mr. Santello - weird guy who's been through a lot with a lot of connections! Guess you tend to make a lot of those when you run the only hardware store in town!
When there are mysteries like this i try to pick the more positive option, but i love that the game has these ambiguous moments. Fun fact if you get the chicken and biscuits (without shakey bakey) he'll say its like his mama made while sleeping. So i always took that he's from the southeast sonce thats a bit of a staple dish here
Same here! I love that there are all these little details and mysteries we're still debating about and unraveling all these years later. And oh wow, that's a great catch, but you're definitely right about that! That actually gives him a really interesting perspective on Possum Springs and presence in the town given that he moved there later in life
I think that from a meta perspective because Mr. Santello was not touched with the update, that the developers have left it vague on purpose leaving it to the player's interpretation. Going with that idea just from a character standpoint, my interpretation is that he was not part of the cult because of his general sluggishness that was brought on by his depression. If Mr. Santello was part of the cult that would mean that he knew that Mae was a potential target for the cult, and I don't see him having dinner with Mae without giving anything away in his state. The biggest clue that he is not dead is that Bea's bond to her father would have made it hard for her to hide his death in the epilogue. I think that closing the shop on her own doesn't have to mean his death. We have heard that Mr. Santello only has a say in the business because Bea doesn't want to fight with him, not opening the shop for one day would only cause an argument if he found out. His absence from the epilogue scene could mean Bea's increasing role in leading the household, and her father retiring to bed both figuratively and literally. If Mr. Santello was a cultist Bea would have to face the death of her father and the guilt of participating in it. It would be a very tragic end to her story, and I don't think she deserves that kind of ending. I only recently completed this game but it had a deep impact on me. Thank you for your great videos.
Thank you for the awesome comment, I'm glad you've been enjoying the videos! It's awesome to hear that you're a newer fan of the game as well - it's great that the game is still having a positive impact on players and making new fans even all these years later! I agree with you from a meta perspective - it's definitely something they wanted to leave ambiguous. You raise some great points - his sluggishness would make cult membership difficult, and yeah, having dinner with Mae would be difficult considering everything he'd know about her. You make a good point about Bea's bond with her father as well. Despite their differences, they are very close, and if she thought he was dead in the epilogue, it would've been very hard for her to hide. I love the idea that his absence from the pre-epilogue scene is a sign that Bea is taking more of a leading role in the household - that's some excellent analysis! Thanks again for the great comment! I appreciate it!
It is pretty suspicious that he is missing from the outro message scene, and I didn't notice until you pointed it out. It shows how much love was put into this game and what it made people think and feel, when this many years later people are still discussing its details, a modern classic. Thank you for your kind words and I wish you well. @@owlbatross9187
Feeling very sentimental, I hope this reaches the video author. As I've commented before, this game was impactful to my wandering into mid-twenties, long long after its release. Two years later, I'm still listening to the music and avidly following videos, namely these (because they're the best). I was raised in an evangelical cult. Because of this, my take on cult theorising for NITW has always vacillated between interest in the puzzle and contented ignorance. I tend toward doubt in any specifics because I know first hand how the profile of the ideal cult inductee is not one-size-fits-all. Even very physically/mentally healthy people down on their luck can be seduced by the promise of an all-explaining conspiracy and the promise of community. Even very physically/mentally troubled people can resist the urge and forge their own safe havens without hateful delusions. I think the creators of NITW muddied the waters partly to maintain interest and partly to acknowledge that NO ONE is immune to propaganda, but it's nearly always those in positions of power/authority who make and disseminate hate. Still, I value the search--I just am also content with my answer: it could be anyone! (other than those explicitly ruled out by the observed plot)
Hey there! No worries - I make an effort to respond to all comments and even if/when this channel gets big, I'll always respond to thoughtful comments like this. First off, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience growing up in an evangelical cult. I can only imagine how difficult that must've been, and how it must feel playing Night in the Woods as a result. I agree with you - the developers definitely want to keep us in the dark about potential cult members. As the cult themselves states, they know who Mae and her friends are, but they'll never be able to identify them. While my next few videos will focus on folks others have commonly theorized about, in my summary video at the end, I'll definitely make mention of the fact that we probably bump into far more cult members in game than we'll ever know, including some people we'd never even think to be suspicious of in the first place. Cause you're absolutely right, that's how propaganda works - anyone can fall for it! Thank you for the comment and the support - I really appreciate it!
Poor Bea, her mom passed away and her dad's an effing cultist
But hey, that’s just a theory game theory
She's been through a lot, that's for sure! I feel so bad for her. If we ever get a NITW 2, I hope she's doing much better
If I was Mae, I don't care what she'd do/say, I'd just give her the biggest hug
@@bartskywalker8121 me two 🥰
Great video as always while iv kind of been a little suspicious on if Mr santello was a cult member you definitely gave some good evidence on why he isn’t that I can agree with so i guess he isn’t after all that still won’t stop people making him though can’t wait to see who else you think is in the cult and keep up the great work as always 😁
Thank you my friend! When I started writing the script for this video, I came in VERY suspicious, but walked away fairly confident in my own take. People are entirely welcome to continue theorizing that he's a cult member though! That's the beauty of theorycrafting - we'll never really know the truth, so no one's ever wrong! Thanks again for the support!
Hey, great video as always. As much as I love Night in the Woods, the dream sequences still confuse me. I would love to hear some of your thoughts on them!
Thank you, I appreciate it! Totally understandable - the dream segments are quite confusing! That's a great suggestion, I can definitely cover them in a future video! I'll actually be touching on them a bit in my next video on Mae's Grandfather
"Its hard to say if he would be affected" .. he runs a hardware store. He would literally be a supplier, if not THE supplier of parts, if they need stuff.
That's a fair point! I meant more in the season that he wouldn't have lost his job, but yeah, you're definitely right about that - the loss of all those big businesses certainly would've cut into their profits due to a lack of customers.
@@owlbatross9187 I have a video idea if you wouldn't mind flirting with being controversial
Awesome video, I love hearing your thoughts and theories about the game! Sadly I can't wait the premiers cuz of school.
Thank you my friend, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Aw that's bummer, but it's all good, I appreciate the support either way! Good luck with school this year!
great video, i choose to believe he is not part of the cult because i feel like bea has gone through enough already and this feels too sad for me lol
Thank you! Yeah I'm inclined to agree. She's been through too much as it is, making him a cult member on top of it just seems cruel lol
Awesome video as always. Though “if it was a bathroom, it would be evidence for him having a connection with the cult” made me laugh just because it would be very funny out of context
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! And oh yeah it's hilarious out of context, honestly it made me lol several times while I was editing this video! "Hey there everyone, I'm your friendly neighborhood OwlBatross, and I'm back with some more Night in the Woods bathroom analysis! Mae's house doesn't, but Donut Wolf does - what's up with that!?"
@@owlbatross9187 the infamous night in the woods bathroom theory
I don't remember a crocodile in the cult. Wouldn't has snout stick out of his hood?
Possibly! Though I've always assumed that the cult hoods cover those up too for the sake of ambiguity.
I feel like it's ambiguous on purpose, of course. But I lean slightly towards thinking maybe he could have been in the cults. He may not be as old as he seems because of the lethargy, but if the cult is always meeting after dark, Bea has to get to bed at normal hours, possibly abnormally early for someone her age. She seems to go to a lot of out of town parties to escape with Jackie. It wouldn't be hard for him to just leave during her normal work hours, because he would always know where she was, and it seems like band practice is a fairly regular thing too. He could be sleeping during daytime hours and active at night. People get into religions after a huge loss, so it would thematically make some sense. He ALSO doesn't have to be a reliable cult member, since it seems like there are multiple mistakes and Eide's rebellion with going after Mae in revenge. They aren't necessarily a functional, well organized cult as far as I can see. Their tasks are fairly simple, find miscreants, toss them in a hole and keep people out of the mines. Eide seems to screw up by being TOO cultish and energetic. Normal, bland everyday people pull off awful things, even if they are barely functional all the time. I would assume he wasn't a mastermind in the cult. Maybe he was just 'muscle' or support, and a LOT people seem pretty okay with helping "solve" a problem they see as plaguing their home, as long as they aren't getting blood on their own hands, literally. The Council is definitely not terribly concerned about Bruce, the homeless guy's safety, they only care about their own space, kids and priorities. The cult might just want a few folks who just go along with the majority vote. Those lesser members just want to participate and feel like part of something big, strong and effective. If we look at the way MAGA people act, they want to be one of the cool kids who can pick on anyone their leader doesn't like. They don't care as long as it isn't them, or the people they value. I know a lot of my family voted Trump because they act like voting not Republican is going to result in their death or something. They have this Zombie inertia of "but this is the way that has always been correct and I can't admit I was ever wrong" that changing course would cause them to have some kind of breakdown. I think some might just not vote at all, rather than vote differently than they would otherwise. Maybe Bea's dad is one of those folks. It could feel like more effort to fight against the draw of the cult and that Make Possum Springs Great Again movement, than it would be to just give in and participate half heartedly. Trump made a whole lot of show & noise about how he was going to bring back Big Coal Mining and he didn't do jack for all those Rust Belt folks who did vote for him. They may have even got more screwed than if they had gone for Hilary, but who knows... Perhaps Bea's dad was like one of those folks, wanting change, but the change needed to fix his problems would be divine intervention. People didn't seem to miss Casey immediately. People in small towns seem more likely to spend a night or two away from home, or with doors unlocked because of the nature of small towns, so perhaps it's not abnormal for him to close down a bar if he does drink? So if he was gone, it may not be seen as weird by anyone except the main characters. TW/CW: School shooters and terrorists are NOT usually any kind of movie villain geniuses. They aren't suspected until they pull off some terrible, unthinkable plan. The reason police don't suspect them may be related to their identity: often male and nondescript, usually white and all they need to do is blend in long enough to pull off their plot, or be mobile and not act too suspicious to get away. It also relates to the fact that security and policework is actually, usually boring as heck. People in general do NOT expect a bank robbery or carjacking because most of the time things work as they are supposed to, and that doesn't happen. In spite of what the news wants us to buy: Crime is not rampant everywhere all the time, AND rural areas are not exempt from violent crime the way urban areas are presented in the media. Just as many people die of domestic violence in the rural areas as do in cities, proportionately. End of TW/CW talk: Bea may not be talking about her dad missing because of many reasons: -shell-shock. They've all been through a lot in this one story, and Bea is still likely grieving her mom and her life. In some ways, she lost her Dad, a good deal of him, anyways, when Mom died. -she's ashamed, doesn't want sympathy or association with the cult that killed Casey. People aren't rational about coping with things their loved ones might have had a hand in. -she's in denial -maybe her Dad has gone away before without telling her. People do weird, irrational things after a loss, maybe he goes on binges. -she might be a little relieved to not have to deal with him temporarily. My friends have had to be caretakers for their parents and it really can suck a lot out of you to have to fight with someone who used to protect and guide you. Especially when they are nasty and have a temper. -she's much more private than Gregg, but maybe not as much as Angus. Maybe she's wanting to be sure he's really missing before she does anything drastic. She's such a level and low energy person that it may take her longer to move on yet another, huge change in her life! Personally I think it's possible. Not sure if it's likely, but it definitely seems strange and his absence is pretty obvious once you realize he's not there. It could actually be a positive difference in Bea's life, since she'd end up free to choose another way to live, possibly. She could take her leave of the Pickaxe and go to a CR or try for a scholarship. Even less ambitious, getting the heck out of town when Gregg and Angus leave would still be a new path for her. I don't want her to be orphaned, but I also don't want her to be stuck, so either way has a lot of sadness. anyways. lots of rambling. I'm not sure. It would be cool to hear more theories and I'll probably head down another rabbithole xDD
Wow, that you so much for this awesome and detailed comment! No worries about the rambling - I totally get where you're coming from and you raise a lot of fantastic points. I really like your point about people turning to religion after loss in particular - that's something I hadn't considered but it's absolutely true! You make some good arguments about Bea as well, she definitely could be in denial or shell shock if he really is a cult member!
I think he's in the cult. Iirc there's no other scene of the couch without him on it. That makes the one scene where is isn't there significant.
Totally fair - there is some good evidence pointing towards him being in the cult! The point about the couch is a great one, and I think you're right - every other time we see that couch he's on it!
Do you believe bruce is dead? P.S I'm so glad people are still talking about my favorite game.
That's a great question! I'll be taking a look at that in a future video. I do think he's alive, in part because Scott Benson said he is during a chat with kickstarter backers, but also because of some of the things he says during his last appearance. I love talking about this game! I have so many more videos about it on the way!
I would like to believe he is in fact a cult member
Can't blame you there - there are definitely some good reasons to think he might be a cult member!
Honestly, it makes sense for him to be in the cult think about it. The man loses his house his wife and his daughter can’t go to college, so what does he do? He just sits at home all day supposedly running things from home but we only know that bea does most of the work. Why not just join the cult and reap the benefits from it he’s got nothing else left to lose but a daughter.
That's a fair point! Yeah, from a financial perspective he definitely has good reason to join up with them. Plus, if he does see it as a situation where he has nothing left to lose but his daughter, he might see the Cult as the best way of improving Possum Springs for her sake.
@@owlbatross9187 giving bea more reason to not leave him !
Kinda seems like he has already given up on Bea at the start of the game, sadly :(
@aazhie good point I mean he less whatever jerk talk to her however they want clearly he doesn't care much