Widows (2018) Ending Explained
TL;DR
The ending of Widows (2018) is a culmination of revenge, betrayal, and empowerment. After Veronica (Viola Davis) and her crew successfully execute a heist to reclaim stolen money from corrupt politician Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry), they expose his criminal dealings. Veronica confronts and kills Harry Rawlings' (Liam Neeson) former associate, who betrayed him, and secures her financial freedom. Meanwhile, political challenger Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell) wins the election but remains entangled in corruption. The film closes with Veronica and the other widows walking away with their share of the money, symbolizing their liberation from the oppressive systems that controlled their lives.
The Final Heist and Its Aftermath
The climax of Widows revolves around Veronica, Linda (Michelle Rodriguez), and Alice (Elizabeth Debicki) executing a meticulously planned heist to steal $5 million from Jamal Manning's safe. This money was originally stolen by Veronica's late husband, Harry, and his crew, leading to their deaths. The heist is tense and fraught with danger, especially when Manning's enforcer, Jatemme (Daniel Kaluuya), is killed in the process. The women succeed, but not without casualties - Belle (Cynthia Erivo), a last-minute addition to the team, is shot but survives. The heist's success is a moment of triumph, showcasing the women's resilience and intelligence in a world that has consistently underestimated them.
Veronica's Personal Revenge
A key subplot involves Veronica's discovery that her husband, Harry, was killed by his own crew member, Florek (Jon Bernthal), who then faked his death. In a gripping confrontation, Veronica tracks Florek down and shoots him, avenging Harry's betrayal. This act is symbolic of Veronica reclaiming agency over her life, no longer defined by the men who sought to control or abandon her. The scene is emotionally charged, highlighting Viola Davis's powerful performance as a woman who has lost everything but refuses to be a victim. Her actions underscore the film's themes of justice and retribution, even if it comes at a moral cost.
Political Corruption and Mulligan's Victory
Parallel to the heist narrative is the political battle between Jamal Manning and Jack Mulligan. Mulligan, a corrupt white politician from a wealthy dynasty, ultimately wins the election, but his victory is hollow. Earlier in the film, he is revealed to have embezzled funds from his own campaign, and his father's (Robert Duvall) racist, manipulative influence looms large. The film critiques systemic corruption, showing that even when one criminal (Manning) is defeated, another (Mulligan) takes his place. The political storyline serves as a bleak commentary on power dynamics, suggesting that true change is elusive in a rigged system.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. What happens to the widows after the heist?
- They likely leave Chicago and start new lives, using the money to escape their pasts.
- Some may face future consequences if Manning's associates seek revenge.
2. Does Jack Mulligan face repercussions for his corruption?
- Probably not, as the film suggests corruption is cyclical and rarely punished.
- His guilt may haunt him, but his power likely shields him from justice.
3. What was Harry's full plan before his death?
- He may have intended to double-cross his crew and keep the money for himself.
- His relationship with Veronica might have been more calculated than it seemed.
Personal Opinion
Widows is a masterclass in tension and character-driven storytelling, with an ending that balances catharsis and ambiguity. The women's victory feels earned, but the lingering political corruption leaves a bitter aftertaste, reinforcing the film's gritty realism. Viola Davis delivers a powerhouse performance, and the ensemble cast elevates the material. The ending doesn't tie everything up neatly, which I appreciate-it reflects the messy, unresolved nature of life, especially for those fighting against systemic oppression. The film's blend of heist thrills and social commentary makes it a standout, and the ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking.