I Carry You With Me (2020) Ending Explained
tl;dr: I Carry You With Me is a 2020 romantic drama directed by Heidi Ewing, blending documentary and fiction to tell the true-life story of Iván and Gerardo, two Mexican men who fall in love but are separated when Iván immigrates to the U.S. The film's ending reflects on the bittersweet nature of their love, the sacrifices of immigration, and the enduring connection between them despite physical distance. It culminates in a poignant reunion decades later, blurring the lines between past and present, memory and reality, leaving viewers with a meditation on love, identity, and the cost of dreams.
The Ending Explained
The film's nonlinear narrative weaves between Iván's past in Mexico, his journey to the U.S., and his present-day life as a successful chef in New York. The ending unfolds as an older Iván, now a U.S. citizen, returns to Mexico after decades away. He reunites with Gerardo, who remained in Mexico, and the two share a quiet, emotional moment that underscores the lifelong bond they've maintained despite separation. The final scenes blend documentary footage of the real-life Iván and Gerardo with the fictionalized story, emphasizing the authenticity of their love and the universality of their struggles as queer immigrants.
The reunion is not a triumphant resolution but a melancholic acknowledgment of what was lost and what endured. Iván achieved his professional dreams but at the cost of being physically distant from Gerardo and his son, whom he left behind. The film suggests that love and identity are not bound by geography or time-hence the title, I Carry You With Me. The ending lingers on the idea that some connections transcend circumstance, even if they can't fully reconcile with the realities of life.
Unresolved Questions
Does Iván regret his decision to leave?
- The film implies mixed feelings: he gained opportunities but lost daily closeness with Gerardo.
- His return to Mexico suggests a longing for what he left behind, but no explicit regret is shown.
Why didn't Gerardo try to join Iván in the U.S.?
- Legal and financial barriers likely played a role.
- Gerardo may have chosen stability in Mexico over the uncertainty of immigration.
What happens to their relationship after the reunion?
- The real-life Iván and Gerardo remain close, but the film leaves their future open-ended.
- The focus is on the emotional weight of the moment, not a tidy resolution.
How does Iván's son feel about his absence?
- The son's perspective is hinted at but not deeply explored, leaving room for interpretation.
Personal Opinion
The ending of I Carry You With Me is profoundly moving because it refuses to simplify the complexities of love and migration. It doesn't offer a fairy-tale reunion but instead a raw, honest portrayal of how life's choices ripple across decades. The blending of documentary and fiction elevates the emotional impact, reminding us that these struggles are real and ongoing. While some might wish for a clearer resolution, the ambiguity feels true to life-love doesn't always fit into neat narratives. The film's greatest strength is its tenderness; it doesn't judge Iván or Gerardo but simply bears witness to their journey.
Visually, the ending's use of light and shadow mirrors the themes of memory and longing. The final shot of Iván and Gerardo, older but still connected, is a testament to the film's central idea: some loves never fade, even if they change form. It's a quiet, powerful conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll, inviting reflection on the sacrifices we make for dreams and the people we carry with us, always.
Final Thoughts
I Carry You With Me is more than a love story or an immigration tale-it's a meditation on how identity is shaped by both choice and circumstance. The ending doesn't tie up every loose thread because life doesn't either. Instead, it offers a snapshot of a relationship that persists against odds, leaving viewers to sit with its beauty and sorrow. Few films capture the duality of hope and loss so poignantly, making this a standout in queer cinema and immigrant narratives alike.