Radius (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR: Radius (2017) is a sci-fi thriller about Liam, a man who wakes up with amnesia and discovers that anyone who comes within a certain radius of him dies instantly. He teams up with Jane, another amnesiac, to uncover their shared past, only to learn they were in a car accident caused by Liam's reckless driving. Jane died, but Liam's grief somehow revived her as a supernatural entity-now, their connection keeps her alive but kills others. The film ends ambiguously: Jane sacrifices herself to stop the deaths, but Liam's fate-and whether the curse is truly broken-remains uncertain.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Radius reveals that Liam and Jane were involved in a car accident caused by Liam's drunk driving. Jane died in the crash, but Liam's overwhelming grief somehow resurrected her as a supernatural being with a deadly aura. Their memories were wiped as a side effect of this unnatural revival. Throughout the film, the two piece together their past, only to discover that their bond is both sustaining Jane's existence and causing the fatal radius effect. The final act hinges on a heartbreaking choice: Jane must either stay alive (dooming countless others) or remove herself from existence to break the curse.
In the final scene, Jane forces Liam to drive away from her, breaking their connection. As the distance between them grows, she collapses-implying she has reverted to her original dead state. The radius effect seemingly ends, but the film leaves Liam's fate unresolved. The last shot shows him alone, screaming in anguish, suggesting he may still be cursed or that he is simply grieving Jane's second death. The ambiguity forces viewers to question whether supernatural forces are truly finished with him or if the cycle could repeat.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Is Jane truly dead, or could she return?
- Possibility 1: She's permanently gone, having sacrificed herself to end the curse.
- Possibility 2: Her supernatural nature means she could reappear if Liam's grief resurfaces.
Why did Liam's grief create the radius effect?
- Possibility 1: It was a freak accident with no deeper explanation.
- Possibility 2: Some unseen force (fate, aliens, etc.) intervened to punish Liam.
Will Liam develop the radius effect again?
- Possibility 1: No - Jane's sacrifice broke the cycle.
- Possibility 2: Yes-his guilt might unconsciously restart the curse.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Radius is a clever, underrated sci-fi thriller that explores guilt and consequence through a supernatural lens. The ending is emotionally brutal but thematically fitting - Jane's sacrifice underscores the film's message about accountability. However, the ambiguity might frustrate some viewers. I appreciate that it doesn't spoon-feed answers, but a slightly clearer resolution (even just a final shot hinting at Liam's future) would've added weight. The performances carry the film, especially Diego Klattenhoff's portrayal of Liam's torment. While not perfect, Radius is a thought-provoking hidden gem that lingers long after the credits.
Final Thoughts
The film's strength lies in its moral dilemma: Is it worth saving one life if it costs many others? By leaving Liam's fate open, the ending forces us to sit with that question. Whether you see it as a tragedy or a twisted redemption story depends on how you interpret the final moments. Radius may not have blockbuster spectacle, but its psychological depth and eerie atmosphere make it a standout in indie sci-fi.