Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals isn't your typical thriller. It's a layered, emotionally resonant film that leaves audiences grappling with its ambiguous ending. The film's power lies in its deliberate ambiguity, forcing viewers to confront the complexities of Susan Morrow's fractured psyche and the interwoven narratives of reality and fiction. This deep dive will unravel the ending, exploring its multiple interpretations and addressing common viewer questions.
What Happens at the End of Nocturnal Animals?
The film culminates in a moment of ambiguous resolution. Susan, after experiencing a brutal emotional journey triggered by her ex-husband Edward's novel, sits alone in a restaurant. She observes a couple, seemingly mirroring her idealized past relationship with Edward. She then looks at her reflection in the restaurant window, appearing to have made a decision. The film closes without explicitly revealing what action Susan takes.
Does Susan Leave Her Husband?
This is perhaps the most frequently asked question regarding the ending. The film doesn't offer a definitive answer. The ambiguous nature of the final scene allows for multiple interpretations:
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She Stays: The reflective gaze could suggest Susan choosing to remain in her seemingly comfortable but emotionally barren marriage, accepting the status quo despite her deep-seated dissatisfaction. Her reflection might indicate a resignation to her current life.
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She Leaves: Conversely, the decision could represent a momentous shift, a newfound courage to escape her suffocating reality. The observation of the couple might be a catalyst for her to seek a more fulfilling life, leaving her current marriage behind.
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She Reconciles: The ambiguity might also suggest a pathway toward reconciliation with her inner self and perhaps with her ex-husband. The reflection might be a moment of self-awareness prompting her to address the reasons behind the breakdown of her marriage to both Edward and her present husband.
What Does the Novel Within the Film Symbolize?
Edward's novel, "Nocturnal Animals," serves as a crucial parallel to Susan's own life. The brutal violence depicted within mirrors the emotional violence she has endured and inflicted. The novel acts as a powerful metaphor:
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A Projection of Susan's Inner Turmoil: The violence in the novel could symbolize Susan's repressed anger and trauma. The characters and events represent aspects of her own life and the consequences of her choices.
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A Cry for Help: The novel can be seen as Edward’s desperate attempt to reach Susan, to make her confront the pain he experienced due to their relationship.
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A Catalyst for Change: The novel serves as the catalyst for Susan's emotional reckoning. The violence and trauma depicted force her to confront her own past actions and the emptiness of her current life.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
The beauty of the ending lies in its lack of definitive resolution. Whether it's considered happy or sad depends entirely on the viewer's interpretation. The film leaves us with a profound sense of unease and contemplation, mirroring the complex emotional journey Susan undergoes. It’s a bitter-sweet reflection on choices and consequences, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of Susan's actions and her future.
Why is the Ending So Ambiguous?
Ford intentionally leaves the ending open-ended to encourage reflection and discussion. The ambiguity mirrors the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictable nature of emotional journeys. The lack of a clear-cut resolution forces the audience to engage actively with the film's themes of regret, guilt, and the search for meaning in life.
Nocturnal Animals is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting ongoing analysis and interpretations. The ending's power comes from its ability to challenge viewers to engage with their own emotional landscape and confront the difficult truths within.
