Wakefield (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Wakefield (2016), directed by Robin Swicord and starring Bryan Cranston, follows Howard Wakefield, a successful lawyer who impulsively abandons his family and lives secretly in his garage attic for months, observing their lives from afar. The film's ambiguous ending leaves Howard's fate unresolved: he returns to his family's doorstep, but it's unclear whether he's welcomed back or if his isolation has permanently severed his relationships. The movie explores themes of identity, midlife crisis, and the consequences of escapism, leaving viewers to ponder whether Howard's journey was a redemption arc or a descent into madness.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Wakefield is deliberately open-ended, reflecting the protagonist's fractured psyche and the unresolved nature of his self-imposed exile. After months of hiding in his garage attic, surviving on scraps and observing his wife (Jennifer Garner) and daughters from a distance, Howard finally decides to re-enter their lives. The film concludes with him standing at the front door of his home, soaked from rain, as the camera lingers on his uncertain expression. The door opens, but the audience never sees who answers or how they react. This lack of closure forces viewers to question whether Howard's return is a moment of reconciliation or another step in his unraveling.
Howard's journey throughout the film is one of self-destruction and introspection. His initial decision to leave is impulsive, sparked by a power outage and a series of petty grievances. However, as time passes, his isolation becomes a twisted experiment in self-discovery. He sheds his societal identity-his job, his role as a husband and father-and becomes a ghost in his own life. The ending suggests that Howard has reached a breaking point: he can no longer sustain his voyeuristic existence, but it's unclear whether he's truly learned anything or if he's simply exhausted his capacity for solitude.
Thematically, the ending underscores the film's exploration of identity and privilege. Howard's midlife crisis is framed as a selfish act, a luxury afforded by his wealth and status. His family mourns him but eventually moves on, while he remains stuck in a purgatory of his own making. The final scene's ambiguity forces the audience to grapple with whether Howard deserves forgiveness. Is his return an act of humility, or is it another selfish demand for attention? The film refuses to answer, leaving it up to the viewer to decide whether Howard's arc is tragic, redemptive, or both.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
Does Howard's family take him back?
- Yes: They might forgive him, recognizing his struggle and growth.
- No: They could reject him, having moved on without him.
- Ambiguous: The door opening might symbolize hope, but not necessarily acceptance.
Is Howard's journey a descent into madness or a path to enlightenment?
- Madness: His obsessive spying and deteriorating physical state suggest mental instability.
- Enlightenment: His solitude forces him to confront his flaws, leading to self-awareness.
What does the rain symbolize in the final scene?
- Cleansing: A metaphor for Howard's potential rebirth.
- Melancholy: Reflecting the sadness and futility of his actions.
Why does the film withhold the family's reaction?
- To emphasize Howard's uncertainty and the audience's role in judging him.
- To suggest that the outcome is less important than the journey itself.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
Wakefield is a haunting character study that benefits from Bryan Cranston's mesmerizing performance. The ending's ambiguity is both frustrating and brilliant-it refuses to offer easy answers, mirroring Howard's own confusion. While some may find the lack of resolution unsatisfying, it feels true to the film's themes: life doesn't always provide neat conclusions, and Howard's selfishness doesn't guarantee redemption. The film's strength lies in its psychological depth, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about identity and accountability. However, its slow pace and Howard's unlikeability may alienate some audiences. Ultimately, Wakefield is a thought-provoking meditation on the consequences of abandoning one's life-and the uncertain road back.