Drinking Buddies (2013) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Drinking Buddies (2013), directed by Joe Swanberg, is an unconventional romantic comedy that explores the blurred lines between friendship and romance. The film follows Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson), two coworkers at a Chicago brewery whose undeniable chemistry is complicated by their respective relationships with Chris (Ron Livingston) and Jill (Anna Kendrick). The ambiguous ending leaves their relationship unresolved, with Kate and Luke sharing a quiet, intimate moment that suggests mutual feelings but no clear resolution. The film deliberately avoids traditional romantic tropes, opting for a realistic, open-ended conclusion that reflects the complexities of adult relationships.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The final act of Drinking Buddies culminates in a beach trip where Kate and Luke, along with their partners, spend a weekend together. Tensions rise as their unspoken attraction becomes increasingly palpable, yet neither acts on it. By the end, both relationships unravel - Chris breaks up with Kate, and Luke and Jill's engagement falls apart. In the final scene, Kate visits Luke at the brewery, and they share a beer in silence, exchanging glances that convey longing, regret, and uncertainty. The film ends without a dramatic confession or resolution, leaving their future together (or apart) up to interpretation.
This ending is a deliberate choice by Swanberg to reflect the messiness of real-life relationships. Unlike traditional rom-coms, Drinking Buddies doesn't offer a neat conclusion where the protagonists end up together. Instead, it captures the hesitation and emotional ambiguity that often accompany close friendships with romantic undertones. The silence between Kate and Luke speaks volumes-it's unclear whether they'll pursue a relationship or continue to orbit each other as friends, forever wondering "what if."
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Do Kate and Luke end up together?
- Possible Answer 1: No-their hesitation suggests they're stuck in a cycle of missed opportunities.
- Possible Answer 2: Yes-the emotional weight of the final scene implies they'll eventually act on their feelings.
2. Why don't they confess their feelings outright?
- Possible Answer 1: Fear of ruining their friendship and professional dynamic.
- Possible Answer 2: They're both emotionally immature and avoid confrontation.
3. What does the silence in the final scene symbolize?
- Possible Answer 1: Unspoken love and regret.
- Possible Answer 2: Acceptance that some connections are better left unexplored.
Personal Opinion:
I appreciate Drinking Buddies for its realism and refusal to conform to genre expectations. The ending is frustrating yet authentic-many of us have experienced the ache of unresolved romantic tension, and the film captures that perfectly. Wilde and Johnson's chemistry feels raw and genuine, making their characters' indecision all the more relatable. However, the lack of closure might disappoint viewers craving a definitive resolution. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its ambiguity, forcing the audience to sit with the discomfort of unanswered questions, much like Kate and Luke do in that final, silent moment.
Final Thoughts:
Drinking Buddies is a nuanced exploration of adult relationships, and its ending is a masterclass in subtle storytelling. By leaving Kate and Luke's fate uncertain, Swanberg invites viewers to project their own experiences onto the characters, making the film deeply personal. It's a reminder that not all connections have clear-cut resolutions-sometimes, the most profound moments are the ones left unsaid. Whether you love or hate the ending, it's undeniably thought-provoking, ensuring the film lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.