Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2020) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune follows treasure hunter Nathan Drake as he searches for the lost fortune of El Dorado, only to discover it's not gold but a cursed statue that turns people into monstrous creatures. The climax involves Drake defeating the villain, Atoq Navarro, and escaping with Elena Fisher after destroying the statue to prevent its curse from spreading. The ending sets up Drake and Elena's budding relationship and hints at future adventures. However, questions remain about the curse's origins and the fate of other characters. The film blends action, mystery, and supernatural elements, leaving room for sequels while wrapping up the immediate story.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune culminates in a high-stakes showdown on a remote island where Nathan Drake (played by Tom Holland) and his allies, Sully (Mark Wahlberg) and Elena Fisher (Sophia Ali), confront the mercenary Atoq Navarro (Antonio Banderas). Drake discovers that El Dorado's treasure is not gold but a cursed statue that transforms its bearers into violent, zombie-like creatures. The final act sees Navarro attempting to take the statue for himself, only to succumb to its curse, becoming a monstrous figure. Drake, realizing the danger, destroys the statue, preventing its power from being misused. The island collapses as they escape, symbolizing the end of their perilous journey.
The emotional core of the ending revolves around Drake and Elena's relationship. Initially, Elena is a journalist documenting Drake's exploits, but by the finale, she becomes a trusted partner. Their chemistry is evident as they share a playful moment, hinting at a romantic future. Sully, who initially seems like a self-serving mentor, proves his loyalty by helping Drake, reinforcing the theme of found family. The film closes with the trio celebrating their survival, though Drake's smirk suggests he's already thinking about the next adventure.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
What is the full extent of the statue's curse?
- The curse appears to be supernatural, turning people into aggressive mutants, but its origins are unclear. It might be tied to ancient civilizations or a forgotten deity.
- Alternatively, the curse could be a biological weapon, explaining the physical transformation.
What happened to the other mercenaries on the island?
- Some may have died in the chaos, while others could have escaped, setting them up as future antagonists.
- The curse might have claimed them, leaving no witnesses to the events.
Will Sully's past catch up with him?
- Sully's shady connections could resurface in sequels, creating conflict for Drake.
- His loyalty to Drake might be tested if old enemies return.
How does Drake's discovery impact the world?
- Governments or secret organizations might seek the statue's remnants, leading to new conflicts.
- Archaeologists could debate the curse's legitimacy, adding a scholarly angle to future plots.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
The ending of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune delivers a satisfying mix of action and character development, though it leans heavily into supernatural elements that feel abrupt compared to the film's earlier treasure-hunting tone. Tom Holland's portrayal of Drake is charismatic, but the script sometimes prioritizes spectacle over depth. The curse twist is intriguing but underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more lore. The chemistry between Holland and Ali saves the finale, making their dynamic the highlight. While the film sets up sequels effectively, it could have explored its mythology more thoroughly. Overall, it's a fun, if shallow, adventure that pays homage to the games while carving its own path.
Themes and Sequel Potential
The film explores themes of greed, trust, and legacy. Drake's journey mirrors his ancestor Sir Francis Drake's, emphasizing how history repeats itself. The statue's curse serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of obsession, with Navarro's downfall illustrating this. The ending leaves room for sequels to delve deeper into Drake's family history or introduce new mysteries. Future films could explore other legendary treasures, blending historical intrigue with supernatural threats. Elena's role as a journalist could also evolve, adding layers to the narrative.
In conclusion, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune ends with a bang, balancing resolution and open-endedness. While not without flaws, it succeeds as an entertaining setup for a potential franchise, leaving fans eager for more adventures with Drake and his crew.