Last Night (2010) Ending Explained
TL;DR: Last Night (2010) is a psychological thriller starring Keira Knightley and Sam Worthington as a married couple, Joanna and Michael Reed, whose relationship is tested over the course of one night. While Michael is away on a business trip with a flirtatious colleague (Eva Mendes), Joanna reconnects with an old flame (Guillaume Canet). The film's ambiguous ending leaves their fate unresolved, forcing viewers to question whether infidelity occurred and if their marriage can survive. The final scene shows them reuniting at home, but their silent, tense expressions suggest deeper unresolved issues. The film explores themes of temptation, trust, and the fragility of relationships.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Last Night deliberately avoids providing clear answers, instead opting for an open-ended conclusion that mirrors the film's exploration of emotional ambiguity. After a night filled with temptation - Michael nearly kissing his colleague Laura (Eva Mendes) and Joanna spending intimate time with her ex-lover Alex (Guillaume Canet)—the couple reunites at home the next morning. Their reunion is tense, with neither speaking about what transpired the night before. Joanna sits on the couch, avoiding eye contact, while Michael stands awkwardly, seemingly waiting for an explanation or confession. The silence between them speaks volumes, suggesting that even if no physical infidelity occurred, emotional boundaries were crossed, leaving their marriage in a fragile state.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Did Michael and Laura sleep together?
- Possibility 1: No-their kiss was interrupted, and Michael walked away.
- Possibility 2: Yes-the film cuts away before confirming, leaving room for doubt.
- Did Joanna cheat with Alex?
- Possibility 1: No-they shared an emotional moment but stopped before anything physical.
- Possibility 2: Yes-their lingering kiss and deep connection imply something more happened.
- Will their marriage survive?
- Possibility 1: Yes-the fact they chose to come home suggests a willingness to work through it.
- Possibility 2: No-their silence and lack of communication indicate deeper issues that may be irreparable.
Themes & Symbolism in the Ending
The film's ending reinforces its central themes of temptation, trust, and the consequences of emotional infidelity. The silence between Joanna and Michael underscores how some betrayals-even if only emotional-can be just as damaging as physical ones. The final shot lingers on their discomfort, forcing the audience to question whether honesty or denial will prevail. The lack of resolution mirrors real-life relationships, where answers are rarely clear-cut. The film also uses mirrors and reflections throughout, symbolizing duality and the different versions of themselves they present to each other and the world.
Director's Intent & Narrative Choices
Writer-director Massy Tadjedin deliberately avoids a tidy resolution, opting instead for realism. In interviews, she has stated that the film is less about whether infidelity occurred and more about the emotional fallout of temptation. The ending is designed to provoke discussion-did they cheat? Does it matter if it wasn't physical? By leaving their fate ambiguous, Tadjedin forces viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the boundaries of fidelity. The restrained performances by Knightley and Worthington amplify the tension, making their final scene hauntingly relatable.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
I found Last Night's ending frustrating yet brilliant-it refuses to offer easy answers, making it a more thought-provoking experience. The film's strength lies in its realism; not every marital crisis ends in dramatic confrontations or neat resolutions. However, the lack of closure may leave some viewers unsatisfied. The performances are excellent, particularly Knightley's portrayal of quiet desperation. Ultimately, the film succeeds in capturing the complexities of modern relationships, where emotional infidelity can be just as destructive as physical betrayal. It's a slow burn, but one that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
Would I recommend it? Yes-but only to viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas over plot-heavy narratives. Those seeking a definitive conclusion may be disappointed, but for those who enjoy dissecting human behavior, Last Night offers plenty to analyze.