Say You Will (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Say You Will (2013) is a coming-of-age drama that follows high school senior Sam as he navigates love, friendship, and personal growth after reconnecting with his childhood friend, Audrey. The ambiguous ending leaves their relationship unresolved, with Sam choosing to leave town without a clear commitment to Audrey, symbolizing his fear of vulnerability and the uncertainty of young love. The film explores themes of emotional honesty, the pain of unspoken feelings, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final scenes of Say You Will center on Sam (played by Noah Centineo) and Audrey (played by Meaghan Martin) after a tumultuous period of rekindled friendship and unspoken romantic tension. Throughout the film, Audrey has been open about her feelings for Sam, while he struggles with commitment issues stemming from his parents' divorce. In the climax, Audrey confesses she can't keep waiting for him to reciprocate her feelings, leading to an emotional confrontation. The ending sees Sam driving away from town-possibly to college or another chapter of his life-without a definitive resolution between them.
The ambiguity of the ending is intentional, reflecting the messy, unresolved nature of young love. Sam's departure signifies his inability to fully confront his emotions, even though he clearly cares for Audrey. His choice to leave rather than stay and work through their issues underscores his immaturity and fear of vulnerability. Meanwhile, Audrey is left heartbroken but also empowered, having finally set boundaries for herself. The final shot of Sam driving off, lost in thought, suggests regret but also the inevitability of their separation as part of growing up.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Do Sam and Audrey end up together?
- Possible Answer 1: No - Sam's departure signifies a permanent rift, and Audrey moves on.
- Possible Answer 2: Maybe later-the open ending leaves room for a future reunion if Sam matures.
Why doesn't Sam confess his feelings before leaving?
- Possible Answer 1: Fear of vulnerability-he's scared of repeating his parents' mistakes.
- Possible Answer 2: He doesn't fully realize his feelings until it's too late.
What does Audrey's final expression mean?
- Possible Answer 1: Resignation-she accepts that Sam won't change.
- Possible Answer 2: Hope-she believes he might come back someday.
Themes & Symbolism
The film's ending reinforces its central themes of emotional honesty and the pain of missed opportunities. Sam's car ride away mirrors his emotional journey-always moving but never arriving at a place of true openness. Audrey's growth, on the other hand, is shown through her ability to voice her needs, even if it means heartbreak. The lack of a tidy resolution reflects real-life relationships, where closure isn't always granted. The film suggests that some connections are meant to teach us lessons rather than last forever.
Personal Opinion
While frustrating for viewers who crave closure, the ending of Say You Will is poignant in its realism. Many people have experienced a "one that got away" scenario, and the film captures that ache perfectly. Noah Centineo and Meaghan Martin deliver heartfelt performances, making the unresolved tension all the more painful. However, I wish the film had given just a little more insight into Sam's future-perhaps a brief flash-forward or a letter left unsent. Despite this, the emotional weight of the ending lingers, making it a memorable, if bittersweet, conclusion to a story about love and growing up.
Final Thoughts
Say You Will doesn't tie its story in a neat bow, and that's its strength. The ending challenges viewers to sit with discomfort-just as Sam and Audrey must. It's a reminder that not all love stories have happy endings, but they still shape who we become. Whether you see the finale as tragic or simply realistic depends on your own experiences with love and loss. Either way, the film leaves a lasting impression, making it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.