The Neighbor (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Neighbor (2016) is a psychological thriller about John, a man who discovers his neighbor Troy is a kidnapper hiding women in his basement. The ending sees John rescuing a captive woman but being framed by Troy for her murder, leading to John's arrest while Troy remains free. The film concludes ambiguously, suggesting Troy will continue his crimes and that John's fate is uncertain. Unresolved questions include whether John will clear his name, if Troy will be caught, and what happened to other victims. The ending is tense and morally complex, leaving viewers unsettled.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of The Neighbor escalates the cat-and-mouse game between John and Troy, culminating in a brutal confrontation. After discovering Troy's basement dungeon, John attempts to rescue one of the captive women, only to be outmaneuvered by Troy, who is far more calculating and ruthless. In a twisted turn of events, Troy frames John for the woman's murder, planting evidence and manipulating the situation so that the authorities believe John is the perpetrator. The film ends with John being arrested while Troy watches smugly from the sidelines, his sinister grin implying he's gotten away with his crimes once again. This conclusion is deeply unsettling, as it subverts the typical thriller trope of the hero triumphing over the villain, leaving the audience with a sense of injustice and dread.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
Will John ever clear his name?
- Possible Answer: Unlikely, given Troy's meticulous framing and the lack of evidence pointing to his guilt.
- Alternative: A sequel could explore John's efforts to prove his innocence from prison.
Does Troy continue kidnapping women?
- Possible Answer: Almost certainly, as he's shown no remorse and has evaded consequences.
- Alternative: Another vigilant neighbor or law enforcement might eventually catch him.
What happened to the other victims in Troy's basement?
- Possible Answer: They may have been killed or relocated, as Troy covers his tracks.
- Alternative: Some could still be alive, hidden elsewhere.
Why didn't the police suspect Troy earlier?
- Possible Answer: Troy is a master manipulator who blends into his community seamlessly.
- Alternative: The film critiques systemic failures in law enforcement.
Moral Ambiguity and Themes
The ending reinforces the film's central theme of moral ambiguity. John, though the protagonist, isn't entirely innocent-he's involved in criminal activities himself, which Troy exploits to frame him. This blurs the line between hero and villain, making the resolution even more tragic. The film suggests that evil often goes unpunished in the real world, a stark departure from conventional thrillers where justice prevails. The bleakness of the ending lingers, forcing viewers to grapple with the idea that some monsters wear friendly faces and escape consequences.
Cinematic Techniques and Tone
Director Marcus Dunstan employs claustrophobic cinematography and a muted color palette to heighten the tension, particularly in the basement scenes. The final shot of Troy smirking as John is hauled away is chilling, underscored by a dissonant score that leaves the audience uneasy. The lack of closure is intentional, making the horror feel more visceral and realistic. Unlike many thrillers that offer catharsis, The Neighbor opts for a conclusion that feels uncomfortably open-ended, mirroring the unresolved nature of real-life crimes.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film
I found the ending of The Neighbor both frustrating and effective. While it's maddening to see Troy evade justice, the boldness of this choice makes the film stand out in the thriller genre. The movie's strength lies in its willingness to embrace moral complexity and deny the audience a tidy resolution. However, the bleakness might alienate some viewers who prefer more cathartic endings. Overall, The Neighbor is a well-crafted, unsettling film that lingers in the mind precisely because it refuses to offer easy answers. The ending, though infuriating, is a testament to its commitment to realism and psychological horror.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with the caveat that it's not for those seeking a conventionally satisfying conclusion. Its power lies in its discomfort.