The Eternaut Ending Explained: Past, Present, and the Future Collide for Juan

Netflix’s The Eternaut begins with a chilling twist: snow falling in the heat of summer—and killing on contact. But as the Argentine sci-fi thriller unfolds, what starts as a bizarre weather event turns into a haunting story of alien control, time-warped perception, and humanity’s slow unraveling. 

Based on the beloved graphic novel El Eternauta by Héctor G. Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, the first season ends with more questions than answers—and hints of a much deeper mystery. Here’s a breakdown of The Eternaut’s jaw-dropping finale, what’s really going on with Clara, and how Juan’s strange visions could shape what comes next.

Who—or What—is Really in Control?

While the insect-like creatures known as the "giant beetles" seem like the main threat early on, the finale reveals a more sinister force behind the scenes. Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) discovers a shadowy alien figure with too many fingers, using eerie musical frequencies to control both the bugs and the humans at Campo de Mayo. These mind-controlled people move in unison with the creatures, suggesting a deeper form of manipulation—and a possible invasion strategy that goes beyond brute force.

Each phase of the alien attack appears meticulously planned: first comes the radioactive snow, crippling tech and isolating survivors; then the bug attacks; and finally, psychological control through mind manipulation. As Juan realizes, the true enemy is not just the creatures—but whatever is pulling the strings from behind the curtain.

Clara’s Transformation—and what it Means

Clara, Juan’s daughter, vanishes early in the season after a traumatic event aboard a boat. When she returns in episode five, her behavior is off—she has memory gaps, denies ever being on the boat, and claims not to have worn a gas mask, even though she did. Elena notes that she returned calling, “Mommy, mommy, mommy,” but with items from Alfredo’s boat.

Juan later sees her under alien influence, training with a gun and looking unsettlingly calm. A mysterious bump on her head and her increasing detachment suggest she may already be partially controlled by the aliens—making her both a victim and a possible weapon in the next phase of the invasion.

Juan’s Visions: PTSD or Something more?

Throughout the season, Juan experiences flashes of déjà vu and haunting visions. While initially framed as PTSD, the finale hints at something more cosmic. He may be perceiving time non-linearly, much like the aliens themselves. Similar to Arrival’s Louise Banks, Juan could be seeing past, present, and future simultaneously—an ability that might be crucial to understanding the invasion and saving his daughter.

In the original comic, these visions are actually memories from a future Juan has already lived. He’s trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the alien invasion again and again—each time trying to change the outcome.

The Final Sequence: Lucas, Betrayal & the Alien Reveal

In the finale, Juan and his group send a hopeful radio message to survivors. That night, Lucas suddenly breaks down and stabs Omar, who had grown into one of their most trusted allies. Lucas runs to a rooftop and rants about tapped phones and a secret “foundation” before spotting a strange blue light—and jumping to his death.

Juan follows a new trail to a stadium where aliens and mind-controlled humans are gathering. There, he sees the true enemy: a tall, many-fingered alien leading the synchronized swarm. It’s the clearest sign yet that the invasion is far from over—and that Juan’s visions are pointing him toward a terrifying truth.

The final shot of Clara training with a weapon confirms it: she’s not just a survivor. She may be a part of whatever comes next.

Will There be a Season 2?

Though Netflix hasn’t officially renewed The Eternaut, signs point toward more episodes. The show only covers the first part of the original graphic novel, and star Ricardo Darín has teased the story’s continuation. He told Forbes: “We still have the second part of The Eternaut ahead of us. I believe we're going to aim higher!” he added.

In the comic, Juan ends up separated from his family, eventually escaping an alien trap, traveling through time, and even entering a pocket universe. The story gets increasingly surreal, culminating in a meta twist where Juan writes the very comic the reader is holding. Whether or not that ending makes it to the screen, the stage is clearly set for a mind-bending season two.

The Eternaut is now streaming on Netflix.