The conclusion of the 2015 film adaptation of Robert C. O’Brien’s post-apocalyptic novel presents a significant departure from its source material. The films final scenes depict a power struggle and a tense, unresolved standoff between the two remaining male characters, leaving the fate of Ann Burden, the protagonist, ambiguous and uncertain. This differs dramatically from the book, which offers a more hopeful, though still melancholic, resolution for Ann.
This altered ending provides a more complex and morally ambiguous perspective than the novels conclusion. It explores themes of jealousy, possessiveness, and the corrupting influence of power in a survival scenario. The film’s open-endedness encourages discussion and interpretation, prompting viewers to consider the characters’ motivations and the potential consequences of their actions. It reflects a more contemporary approach to storytelling, inviting audiences to actively engage with the narrative rather than providing neat, readily available answers. Adapting the ending for a modern audience likely aimed to evoke reflection on the enduring nature of human conflict even in extraordinary circumstances.
