The Tax Collector (2019) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Tax Collector (2020), directed by David Ayer, concludes with a brutal and morally ambiguous finale where protagonist David Cuevas (Bobby Soto) embraces violence to avenge his family. After his wife and children are murdered by rival gangster Conejo (Jose Conejo Martin), David abandons his initial reluctance to kill and fully transforms into the ruthless enforcer he once was. The film ends with David executing Conejo in a symbolic act of vengeance, leaving his future uncertain. Themes of loyalty, family, and the cyclical nature of violence dominate the ending, reinforcing the movie's gritty, nihilistic tone.
Ending Explanation:
The climax of The Tax Collector sees David Cuevas pushed to his breaking point after Conejo, a sadistic rival gangster, murders his wife and children. Throughout the film, David struggles with his role as a "tax collector" for a crime lord, balancing his violent profession with his desire to protect his family. The ending strips away any remaining moral ambiguity, forcing David to confront the brutal reality of his world. In the final scenes, David, alongside his partner Creeper (Shia LaBeouf), tracks down Conejo and executes him in cold blood. This act signifies David's complete surrender to the violence he once sought to distance himself from, marking a tragic arc from reluctant enforcer to vengeful killer.
The film's conclusion is steeped in symbolism. David's decision to kill Conejo in the same manner his family was murdered-by burning him alive-highlights the cyclical nature of violence. Thematically, the ending suggests that revenge, while momentarily satisfying, offers no real resolution. David's transformation into a remorseless killer leaves him spiritually hollow, mirroring the film's overarching message about the corrosive effects of crime. The final shot, with David standing alone amid the wreckage of his actions, implies that his soul is irreparably damaged, and his future is bleak.
Unresolved Questions:
1. What happens to David after the finale?
- He continues working as a tax collector, now fully embracing his violent role.
- He leaves the criminal life but remains haunted by his actions.
- He is eventually killed in retaliation by Conejo's allies.
What was Creeper's ultimate fate?
- The film implies he survives, but his loyalty to David may lead him into further danger.
- Some interpretations suggest he might betray David in a sequel.
Does David find any redemption?
- The ending suggests no-his revenge only deepens his moral decay.
- Alternatively, his actions could be seen as a twisted form of justice for his family.
Personal Opinion:
The Tax Collector delivers a grim, unflinching ending that stays true to its brutal tone. While some may find the conclusion overly nihilistic, it effectively drives home the film's themes of inevitability and moral compromise. Bobby Soto's performance as David is compelling, especially in the final act where his character's transformation is both tragic and inevitable. However, the film's reliance on shock value and graphic violence sometimes overshadows its deeper narrative potential. The ending leaves little room for hope, which may frustrate viewers seeking catharsis. Despite its flaws, the finale is memorable for its raw intensity and refusal to offer easy answers.
Final Thoughts:
David Ayer's The Tax Collector is a bleak exploration of crime and vengeance, culminating in an ending that rejects redemption in favor of stark realism. The film's uncompromising vision ensures its impact lingers, even if the narrative feels uneven at times. The finale's brutality serves as a fitting capstone to David's descent, making it a polarizing but undeniably powerful conclusion. Whether the ending resonates or repels, it undeniably cements The Tax Collector as a gritty, unapologetic crime drama.