The Tutor (2023) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Tutor is a psychological thriller that follows a private tutor who becomes entangled in a dangerous mind game with his wealthy, manipulative student. The ending reveals that the student, Ethan, has been orchestrating a twisted plot to expose and punish the tutor for past misdeeds. In a climactic confrontation, the tutor is forced to confront his own moral failings, and the film concludes with an ambiguous resolution that leaves Ethan's fate uncertain. The ending underscores themes of guilt, power, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The finale of The Tutor is a tense, psychological showdown between the tutor and his student, Ethan. Throughout the film, Ethan has been subtly manipulating the tutor, gaslighting him, and creating an atmosphere of paranoia. The tutor, initially believing he is helping a troubled young man, slowly realizes that Ethan is far more calculating than he appears. The climax occurs when the tutor discovers that Ethan has been fabricating evidence to frame him for crimes he didn't commit, all as revenge for the tutor's past actions-possibly involving negligence or abuse in a previous tutoring role. The confrontation is charged with psychological tension, as Ethan reveals his true motives and the tutor is forced to reckon with his own culpability.
The resolution is deliberately ambiguous. In the final scenes, the tutor manages to turn the tables on Ethan, but the film leaves it unclear whether Ethan is arrested, escapes, or even dies. The tutor is left shaken, questioning whether he has truly escaped Ethan's influence or if the psychological damage is permanent. The film's closing shots-often a lingering image of the tutor's haunted expression or an empty room where Ethan once stood-suggest that the ordeal has irrevocably changed him. This ambiguity reinforces the movie's central theme: the lingering effects of guilt and the impossibility of truly escaping one's past.
Unresolved Questions:
1. What exactly did the tutor do in his past to provoke Ethan's revenge?
- Possible answers: The tutor may have failed or abandoned a previous student, leading to tragic consequences. Alternatively, he might have been involved in unethical behavior, such as exploiting students.
2. Is Ethan truly a victim seeking justice, or is he simply a sociopath manipulating others?
- Possible answers: The film hints at both interpretations - Ethan could be a wronged individual exacting revenge, or he could be a pathological liar who enjoys tormenting others.
3. What happens to Ethan after the final confrontation?
- Possible answers: He could have been arrested, fled to continue his manipulations elsewhere, or even died in an off-screen altercation.
Personal Opinion:
The Tutor is a gripping thriller that excels in building psychological tension, though its ending may frustrate viewers who prefer clear resolutions. The ambiguity works in its favor, leaving the audience to ponder the moral complexities of the characters. Ethan is a fascinating antagonist because his motives are never fully spelled out, making him both terrifying and pitiable. The tutor's arc-from confident professional to broken man-is compelling, though the film could have delved deeper into his backstory to make his downfall more impactful. Overall, The Tutor is a solid entry in the psychological thriller genre, with an ending that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts:
The film's strength lies in its ability to keep the audience guessing, both about Ethan's true nature and the tutor's guilt. The ending doesn't provide easy answers, instead opting for a haunting, open-ended conclusion that reflects the messy reality of human morality. While some may find the lack of closure unsatisfying, it's a deliberate choice that reinforces the film's themes. The Tutor is a thought-provoking exploration of power, revenge, and the consequences of our actions, making it a memorable watch for fans of psychological dramas.