Wild Indian Ending Explained

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By Poppy Cineman
July 17, 2025

TL;DR:
The ending of Wild Indian (2021) is a bleak and morally ambiguous conclusion to a story about trauma, violence, and the consequences of buried secrets. The film follows Makwa (Michael Greyeyes) and Teddo (Chaske Spencer), two Anishinaabe men whose lives are forever altered by a childhood murder. In the finale, Makwa, now a wealthy businessman living under the name Michael Peterson, confronts Teddo, who has just been released from prison for their shared crime. The film culminates in a tense, unresolved confrontation, leaving viewers to ponder themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence.

The Final Confrontation:
The ending centers on Makwa and Teddo's reunion decades after their crime. Makwa, having built a successful life by suppressing his past, is confronted by Teddo, who served time for the murder they both committed. Teddo, now a broken man, seeks some form of closure or accountability, but Makwa refuses to acknowledge his role in their shared trauma. The tension escalates when Makwa's wife and child arrive, forcing Teddo to leave without resolution. The final shot lingers on Makwa, now alone, staring into the distance-suggesting that despite his material success, he remains spiritually and emotionally hollow.

Themes of Guilt and Denial:
The ending underscores the film's central themes of guilt and denial. Makwa's refusal to confront his past mirrors the broader societal erasure of Indigenous trauma, while Teddo's suffering represents the inescapable consequences of violence. The film suggests that Makwa's wealth and assimilation into white society are a form of self-erasure, a way to outrun his guilt. Yet, the final moments imply that this denial is unsustainable. The unresolved tension between the two men highlights the impossibility of true escape from one's actions, especially when those actions are rooted in generational pain.

Unresolved Questions:
1. Does Makwa ever feel remorse?
- The film deliberately leaves this ambiguous. His cold demeanor suggests he has compartmentalized his guilt, but his final expression hints at unresolved turmoil.
2. What happens to Teddo after the confrontation?
- His fate is left open. He may continue seeking redemption or succumb to his despair.
3. How does Makwa's family react if they learn the truth?
- The film teases this possibility but never explores it, leaving his façade intact.
4. Is there any hope for healing?
- The bleak tone suggests not, but the film's focus on Indigenous resilience leaves room for interpretation.

Personal Opinion:
The ending of Wild Indian is haunting and effective, refusing to offer easy answers. The film's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of how trauma festers when left unaddressed. Makwa's hollow success and Teddo's brokenness serve as a powerful commentary on the cost of denial. However, the lack of catharsis may frustrate some viewers. Personally, I found the ambiguity compelling-it mirrors real-life complexities where justice and closure are rarely neat. The film's bleakness is its point: some wounds never fully heal, and some sins never wash away.

Final Thoughts:
Wild Indian is a challenging film that lingers long after the credits roll. Its ending is a masterclass in moral ambiguity, forcing viewers to sit with discomfort. By denying resolution, the film underscores the cyclical nature of violence and the impossibility of outrunning one's past. It's a stark reminder that assimilation and material success don't equate to absolution. While not an easy watch, Wild Indian is a vital exploration of Indigenous identity, trauma, and the shadows that follow us. The ending, though bleak, is a fitting conclusion to a story about the weight of silence.