Arkansas Ending Explained

TL;DR:
Arkansas (2020), directed by Clark Duke, is a darkly comedic crime thriller that follows two low-level drug runners, Kyle (Liam Hemsworth) and Swin (Clark Duke), who work for a mysterious kingpin named Frog (Vince Vaughn). The film's nonlinear narrative culminates in a violent and ironic climax where Kyle and Swin's loyalty is tested, leading to betrayal and death. The ending reveals Frog's true identity as a park ranger, subverting expectations, while Kyle kills Swin in a misguided act of revenge. The film closes with Kyle alone, realizing the futility of his actions, and Frog resuming his mundane life, underscoring the absurdity of their criminal endeavors.

Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The ending of Arkansas is a culmination of its themes of loyalty, identity, and the absurdity of crime. The film's nonlinear structure gradually pieces together the relationship between Kyle, Swin, and their boss, Frog, who is revealed to be a park rander living a double life. The final act unfolds with Kyle discovering that Swin has been skimming money from Frog's operations, a betrayal that leads to Frog ordering Swin's execution. However, Kyle, believing Swin is his only friend, initially refuses but ultimately kills Swin in a fit of rage after learning Swin manipulated him. This moment is tragic and ironic, as Kyle realizes too late that Swin was his only genuine connection.

The revelation of Frog's true identity as a park ranger is a darkly comedic twist. Despite his menacing presence throughout the film, Frog is ultimately a small-time criminal hiding behind a mundane day job. This subversion of the typical crime boss archetype highlights the film's commentary on the banality of evil and the futility of the characters' aspirations. In the final scenes, Frog calmly resumes his park ranger duties, untouched by the violence he orchestrated, while Kyle is left alone, his life in ruins. The film's closing shot of Kyle driving away, with no clear future, underscores the emptiness of their criminal pursuits.

Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Why did Swin betray Frog?
- Swin was inherently selfish and saw an opportunity to profit.
- He may have felt undervalued and wanted to assert control.
- His relationship with Johnna (Eden Brolin) made him desperate for money.
2. Did Kyle ever truly care about Swin?
- Yes, but his loyalty was conditional and easily shattered by betrayal.
- No, he was using Swin as a means to survive in the criminal world.
3. What happens to Kyle after the film ends?
- He likely continues a life of crime, doomed to repeat his mistakes.
- He might abandon his criminal life, but his future is bleak.
4. Why did Frog spare Kyle?
- Frog saw Kyle as a useful pawn.
- He respected Kyle's willingness to kill Swin.
- He simply didn't view Kyle as a threat.

Personal Opinion:
Arkansas is a clever, underrated film that blends dark humor with gritty crime drama. The ending is particularly effective because it subverts expectations - Frog isn't a powerful kingpin but a small-time crook, and the protagonists' journey is ultimately meaningless. The nonlinear storytelling adds depth, making the finale more impactful. However, the film's pacing can feel uneven, and some characters lack development. Despite this, the performances-especially Vince Vaughn's deadpan delivery-elevate the material. The ending's bleakness resonates, leaving the audience to ponder the pointlessness of the characters' actions, which is both frustrating and thought-provoking.

Final Thoughts:
Arkansas is a meditation on the illusions of power and the consequences of blind loyalty. The ending strips away the glamour often associated with crime films, revealing the pathetic reality beneath. Kyle's realization that he has nothing left is haunting, and Frog's return to his mundane life is a brilliant touch. While not everyone will appreciate its slow burn and dark tone, the film's ending is a fitting conclusion to its themes of futility and irony. It's a movie that lingers, asking viewers to reflect on the cost of ambition and the lies we tell ourselves to justify our actions.