Bull Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Bull (2019), a gritty British revenge thriller, sees its protagonist, Bull (Neil Maskell), exacting brutal vengeance on those who betrayed him a decade earlier. After systematically hunting down his former gang members and their families, Bull confronts his ex-wife, Sharon (Lois Brabin-Platt), revealing he survived being left for dead and has returned to reclaim his son. The film's ambiguous final shot shows Bull sitting with his son, leaving viewers to question whether this reunion is real or a dying hallucination. The movie blends visceral violence with psychological depth, culminating in a morally complex and unsettling conclusion.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of Bull is a culmination of relentless vengeance and psychological torment. Bull, a former enforcer for a crime family, spends the film methodically tracking down and killing the people who betrayed him years earlier, including his ex-wife Sharon and her new husband, Gary. The violence is graphic and unflinching, reflecting Bull's single-minded focus on retribution. The final act sees Bull confronting Sharon in her home, where he reveals that he survived being shot and buried alive by her and Gary. This revelation underscores the depth of their betrayal and Bull's resilience, both physically and emotionally.
The most striking moment comes when Bull reunites with his estranged son, Aiden. The boy, now a teenager, initially doesn't recognize Bull but gradually realizes who he is. Their interaction is tense and emotionally charged, with Bull attempting to reconnect despite the years of absence and trauma. The film's final shot lingers on Bull sitting with Aiden in a car, staring blankly ahead. This image is deliberately ambiguous: it could signify a genuine reunion or a hallucination as Bull succumbs to his injuries. The director leaves this open to interpretation, forcing the audience to grapple with the reality of Bull's journey and the cost of his vengeance.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Is Bull's reunion with Aiden real or a hallucination?
- Real: Bull survived and finally achieved his goal of reclaiming his son.
- Hallucination: Bull died earlier (e.g., during the burial scene), and the reunion is a dying dream.
2. What happened to Bull after the final scene?
- He may have escaped to start a new life with Aiden.
- He could have been killed by remaining gang members or arrested.
3. Did Aiden truly accept Bull, or was he afraid?
- Aiden might have recognized his father and felt conflicted but willing to reconnect.
- He could have been too terrified to resist, given Bull's violent actions.
Themes and Symbolism:
Bull is steeped in themes of betrayal, revenge, and the cyclical nature of violence. Bull's journey is as much about reclaiming his identity as it is about punishing those who wronged him. The film's title reflects his stubborn, bullish determination, but it also hints at the animalistic brutality he embodies. The ending challenges viewers to consider whether Bull's actions were justified or if he became as monstrous as those he sought to destroy. The ambiguity of the final scene reinforces the idea that revenge rarely offers closure, leaving only emptiness and unresolved pain.
Personal Opinion:
Bull is a raw and uncompromising film that thrives on its ambiguity and visceral impact. The ending is both satisfying and deeply unsettling, as it refuses to provide easy answers. Neil Maskell's performance is phenomenal, blending menace with vulnerability, making Bull a strangely sympathetic figure despite his brutality. The open-ended conclusion lingers in the mind, forcing reflection on the cost of vengeance and whether Bull's actions brought him any real peace. While the extreme violence may alienate some viewers, the film's psychological depth and moral complexity make it a standout in the revenge thriller genre. The ending perfectly encapsulates the film's bleak worldview, leaving a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts:
Bull's ending is a masterclass in ambiguity, blending gritty realism with psychological nuance. Whether Bull's reunion with his son is real or imagined, the film underscores the futility and destructiveness of revenge. The unanswered questions invite multiple interpretations, ensuring the story resonates long after the credits roll. It's a challenging, thought-provoking conclusion to a film that refuses to shy away from the darker aspects of human nature. For fans of brutal, morally complex cinema, Bull delivers an unforgettable experience.