Communion (1976) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Communion (1989), based on Whitley Strieber's controversial memoir, explores the author's alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings. The film's ambiguous ending leaves viewers questioning whether Strieber's experiences were real abductions, psychological manifestations, or a combination of both. The final scenes depict Strieber (played by Christopher Walken) coming to terms with his trauma, embracing the possibility of communication with the "visitors," and accepting the unresolved nature of his experiences. The film deliberately avoids definitive answers, instead focusing on the emotional and existential impact of the encounters.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of Communion revolves around Whitley Strieber's final confrontation with the enigmatic "visitors" in his cabin. After a series of terrifying and fragmented encounters throughout the film, the ending brings a shift in tone. Strieber, who initially resists and fears the beings, begins to engage with them more openly. In the closing scenes, he sits with a small gray alien in his living room, sharing a moment of silent connection. This scene suggests a tentative acceptance or even reconciliation with the entities, contrasting sharply with the horror and confusion that dominated earlier parts of the film.
The film's resolution is intentionally ambiguous. Strieber's wife, Anne (played by Lindsay Crouse), remains skeptical but supportive, mirroring the audience's divided perspective. The final shot of Strieber staring into the camera-breaking the fourth wall-invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto the story. Is he acknowledging the audience's skepticism, or is he silently affirming the reality of his experiences? The lack of a clear answer reinforces the film's central theme: the elusive nature of truth when dealing with phenomena that defy conventional understanding.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Were the encounters real or imagined?
- Real: The film presents physical evidence (e.g., marks on Strieber's body) and corroborating accounts from his family.
- Imagined: Strieber's psychological stress and creative personality could have fueled hallucinations or false memories.
- Hybrid: The encounters might be a mix of real events and subconscious projections.
What do the visitors want?
- Study: They could be scientists observing or experimenting on humans.
- Communication: Their actions might be attempts to establish contact, albeit in a cryptic manner.
- Control: Some scenes hint at a more sinister agenda, such as manipulation or abduction.
Why does Strieber ultimately accept them?
- Trauma resolution: Acceptance might be his way of coping with unresolved fear.
- Curiosity: His writer's mindset drives him to seek understanding rather than resistance.
- Superiority: He may recognize their advanced nature and submit to their presence.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film:
Communion is a fascinating but flawed film that succeeds in capturing the unsettling ambiguity of Strieber's claims. The ending works because it refuses to cater to easy explanations, instead leaving the audience to grapple with the same questions Strieber faced. Christopher Walken's performance is mesmerizing, balancing vulnerability and intensity, though the film's pacing and some dated effects detract from its impact. The psychological horror elements are effective, but the movie's true strength lies in its philosophical musings on perception and reality. Ultimately, Communion is less about aliens and more about the human capacity to confront the unknown-a theme that resonates long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts:
The ending of Communion is a masterclass in ambiguity, reflecting the real-life controversy surrounding Strieber's story. By refusing to confirm or deny the reality of the encounters, the film challenges viewers to question their own beliefs about extraterrestrial life, memory, and the limits of human understanding. Whether you interpret the finale as a moment of transcendence or a descent into delusion, Communion leaves an indelible mark, ensuring its place as a cult classic in the annals of UFO cinema.