The Postcard Killings Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Postcard Killings (2020) follows NYPD detective Jacob Kanon (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) as he investigates a series of brutal murders across Europe linked to the killing of his daughter. The killers, a married couple named Simon and Sylvia Hays, target couples and stage the victims to resemble famous paintings, sending postcards to journalists as clues. The twist reveals that Sylvia was a survivor of a traumatic childhood event where her parents were murdered in front of her, and she recreated these killings as a twisted form of therapy. The film ends with Jacob confronting and killing Sylvia, while Simon escapes, leaving the door open for future crimes.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of The Postcard Killings unfolds when Jacob Kanon finally tracks down the killers, Simon and Sylvia Hays, to a remote cabin. Sylvia, the mastermind behind the murders, reveals her twisted motivation: her parents were murdered in front of her as a child, and she has been recreating the trauma by killing other couples and staging their bodies like famous paintings. This ritualistic behavior is her way of coping with the unresolved pain, while Simon, her husband, acts as her loyal accomplice. The confrontation escalates into violence, with Jacob shooting Sylvia in self-defense, but Simon manages to flee, leaving his fate ambiguous.
The film's resolution is bittersweet. Jacob achieves a measure of justice by stopping Sylvia, but the escape of Simon suggests the cycle of violence may continue. The final scenes show Jacob returning home, emotionally drained but somewhat at peace, having avenged his daughter's death. However, the lingering presence of Simon hints at the potential for future killings, leaving the audience with a sense of unease. The post-credits scene, if interpreted as Simon sending another postcard, reinforces this open-ended dread, suggesting he may find another partner to continue the murders.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Does Simon continue killing after Sylvia's death?
- Possible Answer: The post-credits scene implies he might, as he could seek another accomplice to fulfill Sylvia's twisted legacy.
- Alternative: He might retreat into hiding, too broken to continue without Sylvia.
Why did Sylvia choose to recreate her trauma through art?
- Possible Answer: The artistic staging was a way to romanticize her pain, making it "beautiful" rather than chaotic.
- Alternative: It could have been a way to gain media attention, forcing the world to witness her suffering.
What was the significance of the postcards?
- Possible Answer: They were a taunt to authorities and a way to ensure the crimes were publicized.
- Alternative: The postcards may have been a cry for help, subconsciously hoping someone would stop her.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film:
The Postcard Killings is a serviceable thriller with a compelling premise, but its execution falls short of its potential. The twist involving Sylvia's backstory is interesting but feels underdeveloped, and the film's pacing drags in places. Jeffrey Dean Morgan delivers a strong performance as a grieving father, but the villains lack depth beyond their shock value. The open-ended finale with Simon's escape is frustrating, as it leans too heavily on sequel bait rather than providing closure. That said, the cinematography and European settings add a stylish layer to the otherwise formulaic plot. Overall, it's a decent watch for crime thriller fans but doesn't leave a lasting impact.
Final Thoughts:
While The Postcard Killings offers a moderately engaging mystery, its ending leaves too many threads dangling. The psychological exploration of Sylvia's motives is intriguing but rushed, and the lack of a definitive resolution for Simon weakens the narrative. The film's strength lies in its emotional core - Jacob's grief and determination-but the villains' arc feels incomplete. For viewers who enjoy dark, art-inspired crime stories, it's worth a watch, but don't expect a masterpiece. The ambiguous ending may frustrate some, while others might appreciate the lingering tension it creates.