Next Exit (2022) Ending Explained

tl;dr
The ending of Next Exit (2022) is a poignant and ambiguous conclusion to a sci-fi drama exploring themes of life after death, human connection, and the search for meaning. The film follows two strangers, Rose and Teddy, who embark on a road trip to participate in a controversial experiment that claims to prove the existence of the afterlife. The finale leaves their fates unresolved, emphasizing the emotional journey over concrete answers. It raises questions about the nature of death, redemption, and whether the characters ultimately find peace or continue their search for purpose.

Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Next Exit sees Rose and Teddy arriving at the Life Beyond research facility, where Dr. Stevensen's experiment promises to document the moment of death and capture evidence of an afterlife. Rose, who has struggled with depression and suicidal ideation throughout the film, initially volunteers to die in the experiment, seeking an escape from her pain. Teddy, who has grown close to her during their journey, tries to dissuade her, arguing that life-however flawed-is worth living. In the final moments, Rose hesitates, and the film cuts to black before revealing whether she goes through with the procedure or chooses to walk away. This abrupt ending leaves her decision-and the experiment's validity-open to interpretation.

The ambiguity of the ending serves multiple thematic purposes. First, it reinforces the film's central question: Is there meaning in life beyond the pursuit of answers about death? By not confirming whether Rose dies or lives, the film shifts focus from the afterlife to the present moment, suggesting that the journey-her connection with Teddy, her confrontations with her past-matters more than the destination. Second, the lack of resolution mirrors the uncertainty of life itself. Just as the characters grapple with unanswered questions about existence, the audience is left to ponder Rose's fate and what it signifies about hope, despair, and human resilience.

Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. Does Rose go through with the experiment?
- Yes: Her arc concludes with her finding peace in the possibility of an afterlife, fulfilling her desire to escape her pain.
- No: Teddy's influence and their bond give her a reason to live, symbolizing a turning point in her emotional journey.
2. Is the Life Beyond experiment legitimate?
- Yes: The film's sci-fi elements hint that Dr. Stevensen's research could be groundbreaking, offering real proof of an afterlife.
- No: It might be a manipulative scheme preying on vulnerable people, reflecting the film's critique of exploitation in the name of science.
3. What happens to Teddy after the experiment?
- He continues his search for meaning, possibly inspired by Rose's courage or disillusioned by the experiment's outcome.
- He finds closure in their friendship, regardless of Rose's choice, representing growth beyond his own aimless existence.

Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
Next Exit is a thought-provoking film that succeeds in balancing existential dread with heartfelt humanity. The ending, while frustrating for viewers seeking closure, is thematically resonant. By refusing to provide easy answers, the film invites introspection about how we assign meaning to life and death. The performances by Katie Parker and Rahul Kohli anchor the story, making Rose and Teddy's relationship feel authentic and deeply moving. However, the abrupt cutoff might leave some audiences unsatisfied, as the narrative builds toward a moment that never fully materializes. Despite this, the film's strengths-its emotional depth, philosophical musings, and character-driven storytelling-make it a memorable exploration of mortality and connection.

Final Thoughts
The ending of Next Exit lingers in the mind precisely because it doesn't tie everything up neatly. It challenges viewers to sit with discomfort, much like its characters, and consider what they would do in Rose's position. Whether interpreted as a commentary on the futility of seeking answers about death or a celebration of the bonds that make life worthwhile, the film's conclusion is a bold choice that underscores its central themes. While not without flaws, Next Exit is a compelling addition to the sci-fi drama genre, offering a melancholic yet hopeful meditation on what it means to be alive.