Fences (2016) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The ending of Fences (2016) is a poignant culmination of Troy Maxson's life, marked by his strained relationships, unfulfilled dreams, and eventual death. The film concludes with a bittersweet family gathering at Troy's funeral, where his loved ones grapple with their complicated feelings toward him. His son Cory, initially resentful, begins to reconcile with his father's legacy, while Rose, Troy's wife, demonstrates forgiveness and resilience. The final scene underscores themes of generational conflict, redemption, and the enduring impact of Troy's choices on his family.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of Fences revolves around Troy's death and the aftermath, revealing the emotional and psychological scars he left on his family. Troy, a former baseball player whose dreams were thwarted by racial barriers, becomes a bitter and domineering figure, alienating his wife, Rose, and his son, Cory. His death, occurring off-screen, forces the family to confront their unresolved grievances. The funeral scene is particularly powerful, as Cory, now a Marine, initially refuses to attend, symbolizing his lingering anger. However, after a heart-to-heart with his mother, he relents, suggesting a tentative step toward healing.
Rose's character arc is central to the ending. Despite Troy's infidelity and emotional neglect, she embodies forgiveness and strength. In one of the film's most moving moments, Rose tells Cory that Troy's flaws were a product of his time and struggles, urging her son to let go of his resentment. Her ability to mourn Troy while acknowledging his shortcomings highlights her emotional maturity. The film suggests that love and forgiveness are necessary for moving forward, even when relationships are deeply flawed.
Cory's journey mirrors Troy's in many ways, illustrating the cyclical nature of generational trauma. Troy resented his own father and vowed to be different, yet he repeated similar patterns of rigidity and emotional distance with Cory. The ending implies that Cory has a chance to break this cycle, as his decision to attend the funeral signifies a willingness to reconcile with his past. The film leaves open whether Cory will fully heal, but his presence at the funeral suggests hope for a less fractured future.
The final scene, set in the Maxson backyard where much of the film's drama unfolded, features Troy's younger brother, Gabriel, a mentally impaired war veteran. In a surreal and symbolic moment, Gabriel attempts to blow his trumpet to open the gates of heaven for Troy, but no sound comes out. Undeterred, he performs a ritualistic dance, howling at the sky, as the heavens seemingly open with a burst of light. This moment can be interpreted as Troy's soul finding peace or as Gabriel's delusion, but it underscores the film's spiritual undertones and the idea of redemption beyond death.
Unresolved Questions
1. Did Troy ever truly love his family, or was he too consumed by his own pain?
- Possible Answer: Troy loved them in his own flawed way, but his unresolved trauma and bitterness overshadowed his capacity for healthy relationships.
2. Will Cory break the cycle of generational trauma?
- Possible Answer: Cory's attendance at the funeral hints at growth, but the film leaves his future ambiguous.
3. What does Gabriel's final act symbolize?
- Possible Answer: It represents either Troy's spiritual redemption or Gabriel's coping mechanism for loss.
Personal Opinion
Fences is a masterful exploration of familial strife, anchored by Denzel Washington's powerhouse performance as Troy. The ending is emotionally resonant, balancing tragedy with a glimmer of hope. While Troy's flaws make him a difficult character to sympathize with, the film humanizes him, showing how systemic racism and personal failures shape a life. The ambiguity of Gabriel's final moment is haunting and beautifully ambiguous, leaving viewers to ponder the nature of forgiveness and redemption. Overall, the film's ending is a fitting conclusion to a story about the complexities of love, legacy, and letting go.