This Is Where I Leave You (2014) Ending Explained
TL;DR
The ending of This Is Where I Leave You (2014) brings the dysfunctional Altman family together after a week of mourning their deceased patriarch. The film concludes with each sibling finding personal growth and closure. Judd (Jason Bateman) decides to move forward after his divorce and an affair with his ex, Wendy (Tina Fey) reconciles with her distant husband, Phillip (Adam Driver) matures and commits to his older girlfriend, and Paul (Corey Stoll) and his wife Annie (Kathryn Hahn) resolve their fertility struggles. Though the family remains flawed, they leave the Shiva with a renewed sense of connection.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The film's climax occurs on the final day of Shiva, the Jewish mourning period, where the Altman siblings are forced to confront their personal and familial issues. Judd, the protagonist, has spent the week grappling with his failed marriage (after discovering his wife's affair) and his unresolved feelings for Penny (Rose Byrne), a childhood friend. In the closing scenes, Judd accepts that he cannot fix his past but can choose his future-rejecting a last-ditch attempt by his ex-wife, Quinn (Abigail Spencer), to reconcile and instead deciding to pursue a fresh start. His arc concludes with him leaving the family home, symbolizing his emotional liberation.
Wendy, the eldest sister, spends much of the film frustrated with her emotionally absent husband, Barry (Aaron Lazar). However, by the end, she asserts herself, refusing to tolerate his neglect any longer. While their future remains uncertain, Wendy's newfound confidence suggests she will no longer settle for an unfulfilling marriage. Meanwhile, Phillip, the reckless youngest brother, finally grows up by committing to his much older girlfriend, Tracy (Connie Britton), demonstrating maturity in contrast to his earlier immaturity.
Paul and Annie's subplot revolves around their struggles with infertility and marital tension. After a heated argument where Annie confesses her brief fling with Phillip (years earlier), they reconcile, realizing their love is stronger than their resentments. The film ends on an optimistic note for them, as Annie announces she might be pregnant-a hopeful resolution to their fertility struggles.
The final scene shows the family gathered outside their childhood home, sharing a lighthearted moment before parting ways. Though their conflicts aren't perfectly resolved, they leave with a deeper understanding of each other. The film's message is clear: family is messy, but enduring love makes the chaos worthwhile.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Does Wendy stay with Barry?
- Possible Answer: The film leaves this ambiguous, but Wendy's assertiveness suggests she may demand change or leave if he doesn't step up.
- Will Judd and Penny end up together?
- Possible Answer: Their final exchange hints at potential romance, but Judd's priority is self-growth before jumping into a new relationship.
- Is Annie really pregnant?
- Possible Answer: The film strongly implies it, but the open-ended nature leaves room for interpretation.
- Will Phillip and Tracy's relationship last?
- Possible Answer: Phillip's growth suggests he's ready for commitment, but his past immaturity leaves some doubt.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
This Is Where I Leave You is a heartfelt dramedy that balances humor with emotional depth. The ending is satisfying because it avoids neat resolutions-instead, it acknowledges that healing is ongoing. Judd's decision to walk away from toxic relationships (his ex-wife) while leaving the door open for healthier ones (Penny) feels authentic. The Altmans' dysfunction is relatable, and the performances (especially Bateman and Driver) bring warmth to their flawed characters. While some subplots could've been explored deeper (like Wendy's marriage), the film succeeds in portraying family as imperfect yet irreplaceable. Overall, it's a poignant, well-acted story about second chances.