Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Ending Explained
tl;dr
The ending of Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) reveals that Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy) have formed an unlikely friendship after a chaotic journey home for Thanksgiving. Neal, initially frustrated by Del's eccentricities, realizes Del is homeless and grieving the loss of his wife. In a heartfelt moment, Neal invites Del to spend Thanksgiving with his family, culminating in a touching resolution where Del is welcomed into Neal's home. The film ends with Del finally finding companionship and Neal learning the value of patience and human connection.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Planes, Trains and Automobiles occurs when Neal, after finally reaching his Chicago home, realizes Del has nowhere to go. Earlier in the film, Neal's frustration with Del's quirks-his loud personality, his tendency to lie, and his general disruptiveness-made him seem like an unbearable travel companion. However, upon returning to the train station to retrieve a forgotten item, Neal sees Del sitting alone on a bench, revealing that Del has been homeless all along and carrying a photo of his late wife, Marie. This moment shifts Neal's perspective entirely, as he understands that Del's behavior stemmed from loneliness and grief rather than mere incompetence.
Neal then makes the emotional decision to go back and invite Del to spend Thanksgiving with his family. This act of kindness is the culmination of Neal's character arc, where he moves from self-centered frustration to genuine empathy. The final scenes show Del being warmly welcomed into Neal's home, sharing a meal with his wife and children. The film closes with Del finally finding a sense of belonging, while Neal learns to appreciate the importance of human connection over his own convenience.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Why did Del lie about having a home and family?
- Possible Answer: Del's lies were likely a coping mechanism to avoid facing his loneliness and to maintain a sense of dignity in front of others.
- How long had Del been homeless?
- Possible Answer: Given his deep attachment to his wife's photo, it's possible he'd been struggling since her passing, which may have been years earlier.
- What happens to Del after Thanksgiving?
- Possible Answer: The film implies Neal might help him get back on his feet, but it's left open-ended whether Del finds permanent stability.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a masterful blend of slapstick comedy and heartfelt drama, and the ending elevates it beyond a simple road-trip farce. John Candy's performance as Del is both hilarious and deeply moving, particularly in the final moments where his vulnerability shines through. Steve Martin's gradual shift from irritation to compassion feels authentic, making their friendship believable. The ending is emotionally satisfying because it doesn't just resolve the plot-it reinforces the film's core message about kindness and the importance of looking beyond surface-level annoyances. While some might argue the homelessness twist is abrupt, it serves as a powerful reminder that everyone has unseen struggles.
Final Thoughts
The brilliance of Planes, Trains and Automobiles lies in its ability to balance humor with genuine emotional weight. The ending transforms the film from a comedy of errors into a poignant story about human connection. Del's loneliness and Neal's growth make the final reunion at the dinner table one of the most touching moments in '80s cinema. It's a testament to John Hughes' writing that a film filled with absurd mishaps can end on such a heartfelt note. For me, this movie remains a timeless classic because it makes you laugh, but it also makes you care deeply about its characters by the end.