Nine Days Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Nine Days (2020) is a metaphysical drama about Will (Winston Duke), an arbiter who interviews souls for the chance to be born. The film explores life's meaning through existential questions, culminating in a poignant ending where Will, after rejecting most candidates, chooses Emma (Zazie Beetz)—a soul who embodies curiosity and empathy. When Emma's life ends tragically, Will experiences her memories, realizing the beauty of existence despite its pain. He then resigns his role to live as a human, embracing life's impermanence. The ending is a meditation on purpose, connection, and the courage to live fully.
The Ending Explained
The climax of Nine Days revolves around Will's transformation from a detached judge of souls to someone who rediscovers the value of life. After spending days evaluating candidates-including the pragmatic Kane (Bill Skarsgård) and the artistic Alexander (Tony Hale)—Will ultimately selects Emma, whose open-hearted perspective challenges his cynical worldview. However, Emma's life on Earth is cut short by a car accident, which devastates Will. Her death forces him to confront his own fears of suffering and loss, themes central to the film's exploration of existence.
In the film's most profound sequence, Will watches Emma's memories through a series of VHS tapes, experiencing her joy, wonder, and fleeting moments of connection. This act mirrors the film's thesis: that life's meaning isn't found in longevity or achievements but in the small, ephemeral experiences that define humanity. Emma's life, though brief, was rich in emotional depth-something Will, in his role as an arbiter, had forgotten. Her death becomes a catalyst for his rebirth, as he chooses to relinquish his immortality and live as a mortal, accepting the inevitability of pain for the chance to truly feel.
The final scenes show Will walking into the ocean, symbolizing his embrace of life's uncertainty. This mirrors an earlier conversation where Emma describes the ocean as both terrifying and beautiful-a metaphor for existence itself. By stepping into the water, Will surrenders to the unknown, trading his omniscient role for the vulnerability of being human. The film's closing shot of the sunrise suggests hope and renewal, underscoring the idea that every life, no matter how short, contributes to the tapestry of human experience.
Unresolved Questions & Theories
What is the true nature of Will's world?
- Possibility 1: It's a liminal space where unborn souls are assessed by former humans (like Will) who've become arbiters.
- Possibility 2: It's a purgatorial realm where souls await judgment, with Will serving as a gatekeeper to life.
Why does Emma die so young?
- Theory 1: Her death is random, emphasizing life's unpredictability.
- Theory 2: It's a test for Will, forcing him to reckon with loss and meaning.
What happens to Will after he becomes human?
- Interpretation 1: He lives a full life, carrying Emma's lessons with him.
- Interpretation 2: His journey is cyclical-he may eventually become an arbiter again.
Personal Opinion
Nine Days is a masterpiece of existential cinema, blending poetic imagery with philosophical depth. The ending is bittersweet but deeply affirming - Emma's brief life matters because it changes Will forever. Winston Duke's performance is hauntingly vulnerable, and Zazie Beetz radiates warmth as Emma. The film's ambiguity (e.g., the arbiters' origins) works in its favor, inviting viewers to project their own beliefs onto its framework. My only critique is that some supporting characters (like Kane) could've been fleshed out further. Still, the finale's emotional crescendo - Will's surrender to mortality-is one of the most moving scenes in recent film. It's a reminder that life's fragility is what makes it precious.
Final Verdict: 9/10. A meditative, visually stunning film that lingers long after the credits roll.