Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2015 film “The Revenant” concludes with a thought-provoking ending that encapsulates the film’s themes of survival, revenge, and redemption. Set in the early 1800s, the movie follows the harrowing journey of frontiersman Hugh Glass, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he seeks vengeance against those who left him for dead after a brutal bear attack.
Summary of the Ending
The climax of “The Revenant” sees Glass confronting his betrayer, Tom S. Fitzgerald, portrayed by Tom Hardy, after a relentless pursuit through the wilderness. Despite having the opportunity to kill Fitzgerald, Glass chooses to spare his life and instead lets nature take its course. He pushes Fitzgerald into a river, where he is subsequently killed by Arikara Native Americans, seeking retribution for the harm caused by Fitzgerald and his comrades.
In the closing scenes, Glass encounters the spirit of his deceased wife, symbolizing his journey toward closure and reconciliation with his past. Though haunted by grief and driven by a thirst for revenge, Glass ultimately finds solace in the embrace of his loved ones’ memory, allowing him to move forward from the cycle of violence and vengeance.
Interpreting the Ending
The ending of “The Revenant” invites multiple interpretations, each shedding light on the film’s underlying themes and character development:
The Cycle of Revenge: By sparing Fitzgerald’s life and relinquishing his pursuit of vengeance, Glass breaks the cycle of violence perpetuated by acts of retribution. His decision reflects a deeper understanding of the futility and destructive nature of revenge, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and redemption.
Spiritual Redemption: The encounter with his wife’s spirit represents Glass’s spiritual journey toward redemption and healing. Through this transcendent experience, he finds closure and reconciliation with his past traumas, allowing him to find peace and acceptance in the face of adversity.
Empowerment of Indigenous Peoples: The climax of the film, where the Arikara exact justice on Fitzgerald, highlights the theme of empowerment among Indigenous communities. By aligning himself with the Arikara’s quest for justice, Glass acknowledges their agency and dignity, challenging the prevailing stereotypes and injustices faced by Native American populations in Western narratives.
Subversion of Genre Tropes: “The Revenant” subverts traditional Western tropes by offering a nuanced portrayal of revenge and survival. Rather than glorifying acts of vengeance, the film interrogates the moral complexities and consequences of such actions, defying simplistic notions of heroism and villainy.
In essence, the ending of “The Revenant” serves as a culmination of Glass’s arduous journey and a testament to the human capacity for resilience, forgiveness, and transcendence in the face of adversity.
As viewers reflect on the film’s poignant conclusion, they are invited to contemplate the deeper themes of redemption, justice, and the enduring power of the human spirit in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.
FAQ
Is “The Revenant” based on a true story?
Yes, “The Revenant” is inspired by the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass, who survived a bear attack and sought revenge against those who abandoned him in the wilderness during the early 19th century.
What does the title “The Revenant” mean?
The term “revenant” refers to a person who returns, especially from the dead or a long absence. In the context of the film, it symbolizes Hugh Glass’s miraculous survival and his subsequent quest for vengeance.
Why does Hugh Glass spare Tom Fitzgerald’s life in the end?
Despite his intense desire for revenge, Hugh Glass ultimately chooses to spare Tom Fitzgerald’s life as a symbolic rejection of the cycle of violence and retribution. By letting Fitzgerald face the consequences of his actions through nature’s justice, Glass breaks free from the destructive cycle of vengeance.
What is the significance of the encounter with Glass’s deceased wife’s spirit?
The encounter with Glass’s deceased wife’s spirit represents his internal struggle and spiritual journey toward redemption and healing. It serves as a cathartic moment for Glass, allowing him to find closure and inner peace amidst the turmoil of his quest for revenge.
How does “The Revenant” challenge traditional Western genre tropes?
“The Revenant” challenges traditional Western genre tropes by offering a nuanced portrayal of revenge, survival, and Indigenous peoples. It subverts stereotypes and simplistic notions of heroism and villainy, presenting a more complex and morally ambiguous narrative.
Was Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in “The Revenant” acclaimed?
Yes, Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Hugh Glass in “The Revenant” received widespread acclaim, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of Glass’s physical and emotional journey through the wilderness was praised for its intensity and authenticity.