Before We Go (2014) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Before We Go (2014), directed by Chris Evans, is a romantic drama that follows two strangers, Nick (Evans) and Brooke (Alice Eve), who meet by chance in New York City and spend one transformative night together. The ending sees Brooke deciding to return to her husband despite their marital issues, while Nick, a street musician, finally confronts his unresolved feelings about his ex-girlfriend. The film concludes ambiguously, leaving their future open-ended but suggesting a deep, fleeting connection that changes both of them. The unresolved tension between what could have been and what is ultimately chosen reflects the film's themes of timing, regret, and the fleeting nature of human connections.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The final scenes of Before We Go are emotionally charged and deliberately ambiguous. After spending the night wandering New York City, Brooke and Nick confront their respective emotional baggage. Brooke, who initially seemed determined to leave her husband after suspecting him of infidelity, ultimately decides to give her marriage another chance. This decision is framed as both a moment of growth and a resignation to the complexities of love. Nick, who has been emotionally stuck since his breakup years earlier, finally calls his ex-girlfriend and leaves a heartfelt voicemail, symbolizing his willingness to move on. The film ends with the two parting ways at dawn, their connection unresolved but deeply felt.
The ambiguity of the ending is intentional, reflecting the film's exploration of missed opportunities and the bittersweet nature of fleeting connections. Brooke's choice to return to her husband is not framed as a definitive "happy ending" but rather as a realistic compromise. Similarly, Nick's voicemail to his ex is a step toward closure, but it's unclear whether it will lead to reconciliation or simply personal growth. The film suggests that sometimes the most meaningful relationships are the ones that don't last, leaving the audience to ponder what might have been if circumstances were different.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Will Brooke's marriage survive?
- Possible Answer: The film hints that her husband may not have been unfaithful, and her decision to return could lead to reconciliation.
- Alternative Answer: Their issues might run deeper, and Brooke's return could be temporary.
Does Nick's ex-girlfriend respond to his voicemail?
- Possible Answer: The voicemail might lead to a reunion, as Nick has finally expressed his feelings.
- Alternative Answer: It might simply serve as closure, allowing Nick to move on without rekindling the relationship.
Do Nick and Brooke ever meet again?
- Possible Answer: Their connection was profound, so they might seek each other out in the future.
- Alternative Answer: The night might remain a singular, transformative experience without further contact.
Themes and Symbolism:
The ending underscores the film's central themes of timing and regret. The entire story takes place over one night, emphasizing how brief encounters can have lasting impacts. The setting of New York City, with its endless possibilities and transient energy, mirrors the characters' emotional states. The recurring motif of time - Brooke's missed train, Nick's broken watch-symbolizes their stalled lives and the urgency of their connection. The final shot of them parting ways at dawn, with the city waking up around them, suggests a new beginning for both, even if it's not the one the audience might have hoped for.
Personal Opinion:
I found the ending of Before We Go both frustrating and deeply moving. While part of me wanted Nick and Brooke to end up together, the film's refusal to tie things up neatly feels more true to life. Their connection is undeniable, but the movie acknowledges that love isn't always enough-timing, circumstance, and personal history matter just as much. Chris Evans and Alice Eve's chemistry carries the film, making their parting feel genuinely poignant. The open-ended conclusion lingers in the mind, inviting reflection on the relationships that have shaped us, even if they were fleeting. It's a quiet, thoughtful film that rewards patience and emotional engagement.