We the Animals (2018) Ending Explained
tl;dr: We the Animals (2018) is a coming-of-age drama directed by Jeremiah Zagar, based on Justin Torres' novel. The ending follows young Jonah, a sensitive boy growing up in a turbulent household, as he escapes into his illustrated journal, symbolizing his retreat into a private, artistic world to cope with his fractured family life. The film concludes ambiguously, with Jonah seemingly embracing his queer identity and creative expression as a means of survival, while his brothers remain trapped in their cycle of violence and masculinity. The final scenes blur reality and fantasy, leaving Jonah's future open to interpretation.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The ending of We the Animals is a poetic, surreal culmination of Jonah's emotional journey. Throughout the film, Jonah (played by Evan Rosado) struggles with his identity as a queer child in a hyper-masculine, chaotic family. His father is volatile, his mother is emotionally unstable, and his brothers mirror their parents' rough behavior. In the final act, Jonah's secret illustrated journal-filled with fantastical, violent, and erotic drawings-is discovered by his family, exposing his inner world. His father reacts with rage, tearing the journal apart, while his brothers mock him. This moment symbolizes the violent rejection of Jonah's sensitivity and queerness by his family.
The film's climax shifts into a dreamlike sequence where Jonah's drawings come to life. He envisions himself floating away from his family, carried by a swarm of birds, a metaphor for his emotional and psychological liberation. This sequence suggests that Jonah's artistry and imagination are his means of escape from the oppressive environment he's grown up in. The final shot shows Jonah alone in the woods, staring at the camera, his expression a mix of defiance and vulnerability. It's unclear whether this is real or another fantasy, but it underscores his separation from his family and his embrace of solitude as a form of self-preservation.
Unresolved Questions:
1. What happens to Jonah after the film ends?
- He may leave home to pursue art or a life away from his family.
- He could remain trapped in his fantasies, unable to fully escape his upbringing.
2. How do his brothers and parents react long-term to his queerness?
- They might eventually accept him, but the film suggests this is unlikely.
- His brothers could follow their father's path, perpetuating the cycle of violence.
3. Is the floating sequence real or imaginary?
- It's likely symbolic, representing Jonah's inner freedom rather than literal escape.
Personal Opinion:
The ending of We the Animals is hauntingly beautiful and deeply affecting. It captures the pain of growing up different in a world that refuses to understand you, and the bittersweet triumph of finding solace in creativity. The surrealism of the final scenes elevates the film from a straightforward drama to something more lyrical and universal. However, the ambiguity might frustrate viewers who prefer clear resolutions. I admire how the film trusts its audience to sit with the discomfort of not knowing Jonah's fate, mirroring the uncertainty of real life. The raw performances and stunning visuals make the ending unforgettable, even if it leaves you longing for more closure.
Themes and Symbolism:
The film's ending reinforces its central themes of identity, escape, and the power of art. Jonah's journal represents his true self-hidden, messy, and vibrant-while its destruction mirrors the way his family tries to erase his queerness. The birds that carry him away symbolize freedom and transcendence, a stark contrast to the grounded, gritty reality of his home life. The woods in the final shot could represent both danger and possibility, a space where Jonah is alone but also free to define himself. The film suggests that for children like Jonah, survival isn't just about physical escape but also about finding inner worlds where they can exist fully.
Final Thoughts:
We the Animals doesn't offer a tidy ending, but that's its strength. Life rarely provides clear answers, especially for those navigating trauma and marginalization. The film's conclusion honors Jonah's complexity, leaving room for hope without sugarcoating his struggles. It's a testament to the resilience of queer youth and the transformative power of art. While some may wish for a more definitive resolution, the ambiguity feels true to the messy, ongoing process of self-discovery. The ending lingers, like a half-remembered dream, and that's exactly what makes it so powerful.