The Intriguing Finale of Nocturnal Animals: Deciphering its Enigmatic Conclusion

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If you have watched the movie Nocturnal Animals, you might find yourself scratching your head trying to interpret its ending. The film, directed by Tom Ford, is a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and revenge that interweaves two separate stories. As the movie reaches its climax, it leaves the audience puzzled, demanding an explanation of what actually happened. This enigmatic conclusion has sparked debates amongst movie enthusiasts, with everyone coming up with their own interpretation of the movie's ending.
Nocturnal Animals' finale is a masterpiece in terms of ambiguity. It leaves the viewers with a sense of unease, struggling to put the pieces together while reflecting on the intense emotions portrayed throughout the film. Some people believe that the film's ending was a metaphor for how we perceive art – unclear, challenging, and even uncomfortable to some extent. Others speculate that the conclusion was a commentary on the role of masculinity and the dangers of toxic behavior. Whatever the interpretation might be, one thing is certain – Nocturnal Animals is not a simple movie with a straightforward storyline.
Even though the ending of the film is not easy to decipher, it undoubtedly left an impression on the viewers. It was a gripping and thought-provoking conclusion that significantly contributed to the overall impact of the movie. Decoding the enigmatic conclusion of Nocturnal Animals requires careful consideration and analysis. In this article, we will explore the different theories and interpretations surrounding the film's finale. So buckle up and delve deep into the world of Nocturnal Animals – let's try to understand its perplexing end together!

The Intriguing Finale of Nocturnal Animals: Deciphering its Enigmatic Conclusion

Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals is a film that kept the audience on edge throughout the entire duration. The flick was exceptionally directed and boasted an excellent cast that brought every scene to life, with Jake Gyllenhaal, Isla Fisher, and Amy Adams putting in noteworthy performances. And with an outstanding score by Abel Korzeniowski, the movie does not disappoint in any area. However, it’s the ending that has people talking, and for a good reason. Let's take a look at the intriguing finale of Nocturnal Animals.

The Basic Plot Summary

Nocturnal Animals follows the story of Susan (Amy Adams), an art gallery owner whose marriage is crumbling. One day, she receives a manuscript from her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal), whom she abandoned years ago. The manuscript tells the story of Tony Hastings (also played by Gyllenhaal), a family man who takes a road trip with his wife and daughter. Along the way, they encounter Ray Marcus (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his gang, who kidnap the wife and daughter for their enjoyment before murdering them. The rest of the manuscript is about Tony's quest for justice, with the help of detective Bobby Andes (Michael Shannon).

Decoding the Ending

As the movie draws to a close, it becomes clear that the manuscript is a metaphor for Susan and Edward's relationship. The ending is left open for interpretation; however, there are a few clues that can help us decipher what really happened.

Susan's Guilt and Self-Reflection

In the final scenes, we see Susan alone and lost, staring out into space, with a sense of regret and loss. This suggests that the manuscript has made Susan question the choices she's made in life, including leaving Edward. Rachel (Isla Fisher), who appears to be Susan's doppelgänger, also suggests that Susan is looking for a reflection of herself to give her some peace.

Susan Edward
Regretful and Lost Determined and Empowered

The Theme of Revenge

The theme of revenge can be seen throughout the entire movie, making it an integral part of the plot. Tony's pursuit of justice could be seen as a representation of Edward's desire for revenge against Susan. In the end, we see that Tony chooses not to kill Ray Marcus, suggesting that revenge does not necessarily bring closure.

Tony Hastings Edward Sheffield
Determined to seek justice Desiring revenge against Susan

The Significance of Nocturnal Animals

The title of the film is based on Susan's art gallery, which showcases contemporary art pieces comprised of naked obese women, with men laughing at them. This could represent how Susan sees herself as vulnerable and exposed, with others judging her. The nocturnal animals could represent the primal and instinctual nature of human beings.

The Contemporary Art Pieces of Susan's Gallery The Nocturnal Animals
Symbolizing vulnerability and exposure Representing the primal nature of humans

The Symbolism of Red Color

The color red is prevalent in the movie and is used as a symbol to represent anger, fear, and passion. The red curtains in Susan's house could represent her concealed emotions. In the manuscript, the characters wear red outfits at different points, representing their emotional states.

Susan's Red Curtains The Character's Red Outfits
Suggesting concealed emotions Representing their emotional state

Conclusion

The Intriguing Finale of Nocturnal Animals leaves a considerable impact on the audience, with its open interpretation and symbolism. Tom Ford has created a masterpiece that explores the themes of love, regrets, guilt, revenge, and redemption. It's a movie that demands multiple viewings and analysis to appreciate the depth of its content. The ending may be vague, but it serves its purpose for the audience to fill in the gaps and reach an individual conclusion.

Personal Opinion

Nocturnal Animals is one of the most visually stunning and narratively complex films I've seen in a while. The script is beautifully written, and the performances are incredible. The direction, cinematography, and production design are top-notch, creating a captivating experience that's hard to forget. The mysterious ending keeps you guessing, which makes for fantastic discussions among friends. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking films that stay with you even after the end credits roll.


Thank you for taking the time to read through our analysis of The Intriguing Finale of Nocturnal Animals. We hope that we were able to provide some clarity on the enigmatic ending of this suspenseful film. Throughout the movie, director Tom Ford creates a tense atmosphere that keeps audiences on their toes, wondering what exactly will happen next.

The ending of the film is no different. While it may have left many viewers scratching their heads, we believe that there are several key themes and symbols that can help decipher its meaning. By exploring these elements in depth, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the conclusion and what it means for the film as a whole.

At the end of the day, Nocturnal Animals is a complex thriller that challenges its audience to think deeply about the nature of revenge, regret, and redemption. We encourage you to continue exploring these themes long after the credits have rolled, and to share your own thoughts and interpretations with others. Once again, thank you for reading our analysis, and we hope to see you back here again soon!


Here are some of the questions that people also ask about the intriguing finale of Nocturnal Animals and their corresponding answers:

  1. What happens at the end of Nocturnal Animals?

    The ending of Nocturnal Animals is left open to interpretation. Some viewers believe that Susan (played by Amy Adams) regrets leaving her ex-husband Edward (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) and wishes to reconnect with him, while others believe that she feels guilty for the pain she caused him and decides not to meet him.

  2. What is the significance of the animals in the story?

    The animals in the story, particularly the nocturnal ones, symbolize the primal, instinctual, and savage aspects of human nature that exist in all of us. They also represent vulnerability, fear, and the cycle of life and death.

  3. Why did Edward send the manuscript to Susan?

    Edward sent the manuscript to Susan as a form of revenge for their failed marriage and her betrayal. He wanted her to experience the same fear, anxiety, and helplessness that he felt when she abandoned him. He also wanted to show her that he was capable of creating something beautiful and meaningful without her.

  4. Who is the killer in the novel?

    The killer in the novel is Ray Marcus (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a psychopathic gang leader who murders Tony's (also played by Jake Gyllenhaal) wife and daughter and rapes them afterwards. He represents the ultimate evil and cruelty that Tony and Edward have to confront and overcome.

  5. What is the role of the red car in the story?

    The red car symbolizes danger, passion, and recklessness. It is associated with Ray Marcus and his gang and serves as a reminder of the tragedy that befalls Tony and his family when they encounter them. It also represents Susan's regret and guilt for her past mistakes.