The Intriguing Finale of Nocturnal Animals: Deciphering its Enigmatic Conclusion
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.