Running with the Devil Ending Explained
tl;dr
Running with the Devil (2019) is a crime thriller that follows the interconnected lives of drug traffickers, law enforcement, and addicts in a high-stakes cocaine smuggling operation. The ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the fate of several characters unresolved. The Cook (Nicolas Cage) and The Agent (Laurence Fishburne) confront each other in a tense standoff, but the film cuts away before revealing the outcome. The narrative emphasizes the cyclical nature of the drug trade, suggesting that violence and corruption are inescapable. Unanswered questions linger about character motivations and ultimate fates, reinforcing the film's themes of moral ambiguity and inevitability.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Running with the Devil builds toward a confrontation between The Cook (Nicolas Cage) and The Agent (Laurence Fishburne), two men on opposite sides of the law but equally entangled in the drug trade's brutality. The Cook, a seasoned trafficker, is tasked with identifying a leak in the cartel's operation, while The Agent, a DEA officer, is secretly working with the cartel to maintain his own power. Their final meeting is fraught with tension, as both men realize they are pawns in a larger, unforgiving system. The film deliberately cuts to black before revealing who, if anyone, survives, leaving their fates open to interpretation.
This abrupt ending serves as a commentary on the futility of the drug war. The Cook and The Agent represent two sides of the same coin-both are trapped in a cycle of violence and betrayal, unable to escape. The film suggests that no one truly wins in this world; even those who seem to have control are ultimately disposable. The lack of resolution mirrors the real-life drug trade, where power shifts constantly, and survival is never guaranteed. The final shot of the film lingers on a bag of cocaine, symbolizing the endless demand that fuels this deadly business.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Does The Cook or The Agent survive their confrontation?
- The Cook kills The Agent to tie up loose ends.
- The Agent arrests or kills The Cook, fulfilling his duty.
- Both die, reinforcing the film's theme of inevitable destruction.
What happens to the other key characters (The Snitch, The Executioner, etc.)?
- The Snitch (Leslie Bibb) is likely killed off-screen for betraying the cartel.
- The Executioner (Barry Pepper) continues his violent work, unaffected by the chaos.
Is there any hope for escape from the drug trade's cycle?
- No-the film argues that the system perpetuates itself endlessly.
- Maybe-if secondary characters break free, but the film doesn't explore this.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
The ambiguous ending of Running with the Devil is both frustrating and effective. On one hand, it denies the audience a clear resolution, which can feel unsatisfying. On the other, it reinforces the movie's bleak worldview-that the drug trade is an inescapable machine consuming everyone involved. Nicolas Cage and Laurence Fishburne deliver strong performances, but the film's fragmented storytelling and lack of character depth prevent it from reaching its full potential. Ultimately, it's a gritty, nihilistic take on the crime genre that prioritizes atmosphere over narrative payoff.
Final Thoughts
Running with the Devil doesn't offer easy answers or heroic victories. Instead, it presents a grim tableau of corruption, where loyalty is fleeting and survival is a temporary illusion. The ending's ambiguity forces viewers to sit with the uncomfortable truth that in this world, no one gets out clean. While the film may not be memorable for its plot, its unflinching portrayal of the drug trade's brutality makes it a sobering watch. If you enjoy morally gray crime dramas with open-ended conclusions, this movie will resonate-but don't expect a neatly tied bow.