The Son (2022) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Son (2022), directed by Florian Zeller, is a psychological drama that explores the devastating impact of mental illness on a fractured family. The film follows Peter (Hugh Jackman) as he tries to care for his troubled teenage son, Nicholas (Zen McGrath), who is struggling with severe depression. The ending reveals Nicholas's tragic suicide, leaving Peter and his ex-wife, Kate (Laura Dern), shattered by grief and guilt. The film concludes with a haunting scene of Peter imagining a happier version of his son, highlighting the irreversible consequences of neglect and the fragility of mental health. The ambiguous final moments leave viewers questioning whether Peter can ever move forward or if he's doomed to relive his failures.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of The Son builds toward an inevitable yet crushing climax. After Nicholas's erratic behavior escalates-skipping school, self-harm, and outbursts - Peter and his new partner, Beth (Vanessa Kirby), reluctantly agree to send him to a mental health facility. However, Nicholas's despair is too profound, and he ultimately takes his own life. The suicide occurs off-screen, but the aftermath is depicted with raw emotional intensity. Peter and Kate are shown in separate states of collapse, their grief underscoring the film's central theme: the inability to truly understand or save someone from their inner pain. The final scene shifts to a dreamlike sequence where Peter envisions Nicholas as a carefree child, a stark contrast to the tormented teenager he became. This illusion serves as both a moment of solace and a cruel reminder of what was lost.
Unresolved Questions
- Could Nicholas have been saved if his parents had acted differently?
- Possible Answer: The film suggests that systemic failures (e.g., dismissive therapists, Peter's emotional distance) contributed, but mental illness is often beyond anyone's control.
- What does Peter's vision of young Nicholas signify?
- Possible Answer: It could represent his guilt-ridden longing for a simpler time or a subconscious refusal to accept reality.
- How will Peter and Kate cope after the tragedy?
- Possible Answer: The film implies their grief may be insurmountable, especially given their fractured relationship.
- Was Beth's presence helpful or harmful to Nicholas?
- Possible Answer: Her attempts to support Peter may have unintentionally alienated Nicholas further.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending reinforces the film's exploration of parental guilt and the limits of love. Nicholas's suicide is framed not as a single moment of weakness but as the culmination of unchecked suffering. The recurring motif of doors - Nicholas frequently closing himself off-mirrors his emotional isolation. Peter's vision of his son at the end could symbolize the idealized version of parenthood he failed to achieve, or it might hint at his descent into denial. The film's title, The Son, takes on a tragic double meaning: it refers both to Nicholas and to the “sun” he can no longer see in his darkness.
Personal Opinion
The Son is a harrowing but necessary film that doesn't offer easy answers. The ending is devastating, yet it avoids melodrama by grounding Nicholas's pain in realism. Hugh Jackman's performance captures the helplessness of a parent who realizes too late that love isn't always enough. However, some may argue the film's bleakness borders on exploitative, as it provides little catharsis. Despite this, its unflinching portrayal of depression makes it a poignant conversation-starter about mental health awareness. The ambiguous final shot lingers, forcing viewers to sit with the uncomfortable truth that some wounds never heal.
Final Thoughts
The Son doesn't tie its story in a neat bow; instead, it leaves the audience to grapple with the weight of its ending. By refusing to sugarcoat the realities of suicide and familial strife, the film challenges viewers to reflect on how society addresses mental health. While it's not an easy watch, its emotional honesty ensures it resonates long after the credits roll. The tragedy of Nicholas isn't just his death-it's the realization that, sometimes, no amount of love can rewrite an ending.