Tss (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Tss (assuming you meant Tenet, as "Tss" isn't a known film) is a mind-bending conclusion to Christopher Nolan's time-inversion thriller. Protagonist John David Washington's character, "The Protagonist," succeeds in preventing a temporal catastrophe orchestrated by Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh). The film's climax reveals that the future antagonist, Neil (Robert Pattinson), is actually a younger version of a character from the Protagonist's past, operating in a loop to ensure mission success. The ending emphasizes themes of predestination, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of time, leaving audiences to ponder the intricacies of the plot and the Protagonist's ultimate role in the larger temporal war.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The finale of Tenet unfolds as the Protagonist and Neil execute a "temporal pincer movement" to recover the Algorithm, a device capable of reversing entropy and destroying the past. The battle occurs simultaneously in forward and reverse time, creating a visually stunning and conceptually dense sequence. Neil, who has been assisting the Protagonist throughout the film, reveals that he was recruited by the Protagonist in the future, forming a closed loop. His death-sacrificing himself to unlock a door-was always destined to happen, highlighting the film's theme of inevitability. The Protagonist accepts that some events cannot be changed, only understood and endured.
The emotional core of the ending lies in Neil's farewell, where he cryptically says, "This is the end of a beautiful friendship," hinting that their bond transcends linear time. The Protagonist later realizes that he is the mastermind behind Tenet, the organization fighting the temporal war, and that his actions are part of a self-perpetuating cycle. The film closes with him watching Kat (Elizabeth Debicki) and her son from afar, suggesting he will continue to operate in the shadows to protect the timeline. This ambiguous yet poignant conclusion reinforces Nolan's exploration of free will versus determinism.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
Who exactly is Neil?
- Possible Answer: Neil is a younger version of a character the Protagonist recruits in the future, possibly Max (Kat's son), though this is left deliberately vague. His familiarity with the Protagonist's habits (e.g., drink preferences) suggests a deep, pre-existing relationship.
How does the Algorithm work, and why is it so dangerous?
- Possible Answer: The Algorithm inverts entropy on a global scale, allowing the future to erase the past. Its destructive potential is akin to a temporal nuclear bomb, but the mechanics are left abstract to serve the plot's philosophical stakes.
What is the true nature of the temporal war?
- Possible Answer: The war is a conflict between generations, with future humans seeking to undo climate catastrophe by annihilating the past. Tenet represents the past's resistance, but the full scope of the war is never detailed.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and Film:
Tenet's ending is quintessential Nolan-intellectually stimulating but emotionally distant. The time-inversion concept is brilliant, yet the film's complexity sometimes overshadows character development. Neil's sacrifice is poignant, but the Protagonist's arc feels more like a puzzle piece than a human journey. The ambiguity of Neil's identity adds depth, but the lack of closure for Kat and her son leaves emotional threads dangling. Visually and conceptually, Tenet is a masterpiece, but its cold, mechanical execution may alienate viewers seeking heart amid the physics. Still, it rewards repeat viewings, as each layer of the temporal maze reveals new connections.
Final Thoughts:
Tenet challenges audiences to embrace paradoxes and relinquish the need for tidy resolutions. Its ending isn't about answers but about the cyclical nature of time and the sacrifices required to preserve it. Whether you see it as a triumph or a frustrating enigma, the film lingers in the mind, demanding reflection on fate, choice, and the price of knowledge. Nolan's ambition is undeniable, even if the emotional resonance is uneven. For those willing to dissect its intricacies, Tenet offers a rare cinematic experience that blends action, philosophy, and existential dread.