The Departed (2006) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Departed concludes with a brutal and chaotic sequence where nearly every major character meets a violent end. Undercover cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is betrayed and executed by corrupt officer Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) just as Billy is about to expose him. However, Sullivan's crimes are later revealed by Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg), who kills Sullivan in retaliation. The film ends with the rat symbolism-representing deceit-coming full circle, as both Costigan (a rat in the mob) and Sullivan (a rat in the police) perish, leaving Dignam as the sole survivor to deliver justice. The ending underscores themes of betrayal, identity, and the cyclical nature of violence.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of The Departed is a masterclass in tension and sudden violence. After Billy Costigan finally obtains evidence proving Colin Sullivan's corruption (via a cell phone recording), he arranges to meet Sullivan in an apartment. However, Sullivan, realizing his cover is blown, ambushes and executes Billy in cold blood. This moment is shocking because Billy, the protagonist we've rooted for, is killed just short of victory. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Sullivan, the true villain, walks away seemingly unscathed-for now. The film then delivers another twist: Sergeant Dignam, who has been sidelined for most of the third act, reappears to exact revenge. He breaks into Sullivan's apartment and executes him, mirroring Billy's death.
Symbolism and Themes
The rat motif, which appears throughout the film, reaches its peak in the final moments. The closing shot of a rat scurrying across Sullivan's balcony railing serves as a metaphor for the duplicity that defined both Billy and Colin's lives. Both men were “rats”—Billy infiltrating the mob, Colin infiltrating the police-and both paid the ultimate price. The film suggests that in a world where loyalty is fluid and identity is performative, betrayal is inevitable. The cyclical violence (Dignam killing Sullivan just as Sullivan killed Billy) reinforces the idea that corruption begets more corruption, leaving no true winners. Even Queenan (Martin Sheen), the moral center of the film, dies earlier in a gruesome fall, signaling that goodness is often crushed in this brutal world.
Unresolved Questions
- What happens to Madolyn (Vera Farmiga)?
- She likely remains unaware of Sullivan's true nature, left only with the lingering suspicion from Billy's file.
- Alternatively, she may discover the truth later, but the film leaves her fate ambiguous.
- Did Dignam act alone or with official sanction?
- Given his rogue nature, he probably took matters into his own hands.
- It's also possible higher-ups tacitly approved his actions to cover up the scandal.
- What was the full extent of Sullivan's corruption?
- The film hints he had deeper ties to organized crime beyond Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson).
- His rapid rise in the police force suggests systemic rot.
Personal Opinion
The Departed's ending is a devastating yet fitting conclusion to Scorsese's gritty crime saga. While some may find the body count excessive, the abruptness of Billy's death underscores the film's nihilistic tone-no one is safe, and justice is rarely clean. Damon's Sullivan is one of cinema's most detestable villains precisely because he wins for most of the runtime, only to be cut down in a moment of poetic irony. Wahlberg's Dignam, though underused, delivers a cathartic finale. The film's brilliance lies in its refusal to offer redemption, instead presenting a world where morality is gray and survival is fleeting. It's a masterpiece of tension, betrayal, and consequence.
Final Thoughts
Few films execute their endings with such ruthless precision. The Departed doesn't just kill its characters; it annihilates any sense of closure, leaving the audience to grapple with the futility of its world. The final rat shot is a perfect capstone-a reminder that in this story, everyone was vermin in the end. Scorsese's direction, combined with stellar performances, makes this one of the most unforgettable conclusions in modern cinema. It's a bleak but brilliantly crafted finale that lingers long after the credits roll.