Mid90s (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Mid90s (2018), directed by Jonah Hill, follows 13-year-old Stevie as he navigates adolescence in 1990s Los Angeles, finding solace in a group of older skateboarders. The film ends ambiguously after Stevie suffers a severe head injury during a reckless stunt. The final scenes show him recovering in the hospital, surrounded by his fractured but loving family and friends. The ending leaves Stevie's future uncertain but suggests growth and resilience. Themes of belonging, trauma, and the fleeting nature of youth resonate throughout the conclusion.
Detailed Breakdown of the Ending
The climax of Mid90s occurs when Stevie, desperate to prove himself to his newfound skateboarding friends, attempts a dangerous trick down a steep hill. He crashes violently, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. The aftermath is chaotic, with his older brother Ian (who previously abused him) rushing to his side, and his mother, Dabney, overwhelmed with guilt and fear. The accident serves as a wake-up call for everyone in Stevie's life, forcing them to confront their own dysfunction. The hospital scenes are poignant, showing Stevie's friends-particularly Ray, the group's de facto leader-visiting him with a mix of remorse and affection. The film closes with Stevie staring blankly at the camera, leaving his recovery and future open to interpretation.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending encapsulates the film's central themes: the search for identity, the consequences of recklessness, and the fragility of adolescence. Stevie's injury symbolizes the harsh realities of growing up, especially for kids who lack guidance. His skateboard, once a symbol of freedom and rebellion, becomes the cause of his near-death experience, illustrating how the things we love can also harm us. The hospital scene, where his mother clutches his hand, signifies a tentative reconciliation between them, hinting at the possibility of healing-both physically and emotionally. The film's abrupt ending mirrors the unpredictability of life, a hallmark of coming-of-age stories.
Character Arcs and Relationships
Stevie's relationships undergo significant shifts by the film's end. His dynamic with Ian, previously marked by violence, softens as Ian displays genuine concern for his little brother. Dabney, while still flawed, shows a deeper level of maternal care, suggesting she might finally step up as a parent. The skate crew, particularly Ray and Fourth Grade, reveal their vulnerabilities - Ray's mentorship takes on a protective tone, while Fourth Grade's tough exterior cracks when he breaks down in the hospital. These moments underscore the film's message about the duality of teenage friendships: they can be both destructive and redemptive.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Will Stevie fully recover from his injury?
- Possible Answer: The film implies he'll survive, but the long-term effects are unclear. His blank stare could signify lingering trauma or a newfound maturity.
- Does Stevie continue skateboarding?
- Possible Answer: He might, but with caution. The accident could either scare him away or solidify his passion, depending on his growth.
- Will his family truly change?
- Possible Answer: The ending suggests hope, but lasting change is uncertain. Dabney and Ian's actions post-recovery would determine this.
- What happens to the skate crew?
- Possible Answer: They might drift apart, as childhood friendships often do, or bond tighter after the near-tragedy.
Personal Opinion
Mid90s delivers a raw, unfiltered look at adolescence, and its ending is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Jonah Hill avoids a neat resolution, opting instead for realism-life doesn't wrap up cleanly, especially for kids like Stevie. The ambiguity works because it reflects the messiness of growing up. I appreciated how the film balanced humor and darkness, though some may find the abruptness frustrating. Stevie's journey resonates because it's universal: the struggle to belong, the pain of family dysfunction, and the bittersweet passage of time. The ending, while not definitive, feels true to the film's ethos-sometimes, survival is the only victory.
Final Thought: Mid90s is a snapshot of youth-fleeting, chaotic, and unforgettable. Its ending doesn't tie up loose ends but leaves viewers with a lasting impression of resilience and the imperfect bonds that shape us.