Exposed Movie Ending Explained, The Movie's Plot, Review
Updated May 03, 2023
Exposed 2016
"Exposed" is a 2016 mystery drama film directed by Declan Dale and starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, and Mira Sorvino. The film follows a young Latina woman named Isabel who, after witnessing a strange event, becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving corrupt cops, the Catholic Church, and supernatural forces. The movie received mixed reviews from critics and was a box-office disappointment.
Despite its flaws, the film's intriguing plot and compelling performances have made it a cult favorite among some viewers. The movie had a limited run and was made available via video on demand on January 22, 2016, according to Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Principal photography began in New York City in early November 2014, with filming taking place in Brooklyn on November 26th. The initial storyline of the movie dealt with heavy topics such as child sexual abuse, violence against women, mass incarceration, and police brutality disguised as state power.
It was a surreal, bilingual drama reminiscent of movies like Pan's Labyrinth and Irreversible. However, Lionsgate Premiere executives had believed that the movie was a Keanu Reeves cop-thriller. Consequently, during the editing process, Lionsgate decided to shift the focus of the narrative to Reeves' character and transformed the film into a crime thriller, hoping to increase its box office prospects. Although the film was directed by Gee Malik Linton, he was credited under the pseudonym of Declan Dale.
Exposed Movie Ending Explained
Isabel recalls being sexually assaulted in the opening scene of the movie Exposed. The scene depicts her just waiting for a tube, losing her ring, and seeing an angel. It is first presented to us from her traumatized point of view at the opening of the movie. Actually, she was attacked and sexually assaulted in the tube by Galban's partner. Throughout the entire film, Isabel had been denying this entire incident. Following the rape, Isabel pushed Detective Cullen onto the railway tracks, stabbed him, and then left the scene.
Although Isabel wasn't a murderer in the traditional sense, Galban had been looking for her the entire time because she was a victim. Elisa alleges that Isabel's dad assaulted her. This is what brought back every memory. After stabbing her father, Elisa notices the white woman right away. While she waits for the police, she rocks back and forth in her chair. When the camera pulls back, it becomes clear that Elisa is not there, and Isabel has finally been able to recall her father's abuse of her as a child.
Isabel is seen in the closing shot praying for perseverance at church. The ending of "Exposed" is left open to interpretation and has confused many viewers. The final scene of the film shows Isabel de La Cruz (played by Ana de Armas), the witness to the murder of Galban's partner, being abducted by an unknown group of men. The ambiguity of the ending has led to various interpretations, and there are a few possible explanations.
Here are some of the most popular theories: One theory is that Isabel was taken by the corrupt police officers who were involved in the conspiracy. This would imply that the officers were still active and trying to silence Isabel to prevent her from testifying against them. Some viewers speculate that Galban may have abducted Isabel in an attempt to protect her from the corrupt cops or the cartel. This theory suggests that Galban may have had a change of heart and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Lastly, it is possible that the ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving it up to the viewer to decide what happened to Isabel. The director has not provided a definitive answer to the ending, which has led to much speculation and debate among fans of the movie.
Exposed Plot
The film is divided into two storylines that eventually converge. The first storyline follows Galban as he investigates the murder of his partner, Detective Joey Cullen. Galban becomes obsessed with finding the killer and begins to suspect that his department may be involved in a cover-up. As he delves deeper into the case, Galban begins to uncover a web of corruption and deceit that goes all the way to the top.
The second storyline follows Isabel de La Cruz (played by Ana de Armas), a young woman who witnesses a supernatural event while walking home from her job as a waitress. She becomes increasingly disturbed by the visions she sees and starts to have strange encounters with a mysterious figure. Isabel's story is linked to Galban's investigation when she is revealed to be the only witness to the murder of his partner.
As Galban continues to investigate, he discovers that the murder of his partner is linked to a larger conspiracy involving corrupt cops, drug cartels, and political cover-ups. Galban teams up with an Internal Affairs officer, named Frank, to bring the culprits to justice. In the final scenes of the film, Isabel is abducted by an unknown group of men, leaving the ending open to interpretation.
Some viewers speculate that the corrupt cops or cartel members were responsible for her abduction, while others believe that Galban may have taken matters into his own hands. The ambiguity of the ending has led to much debate and speculation among fans of the movie.
Exposed Review
The film's strengths lie in its strong performances by Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas, who both deliver convincing and emotional performances. The two storylines that eventually converge also add an intriguing layer to the film, with Isabel's supernatural experiences serving as a parallel to Galban's investigation. However, the film's weaknesses lie in its confusing and convoluted plot, which at times feels disjointed and difficult to follow.
The supernatural elements of Isabel's storyline also feel out of place and do not integrate seamlessly into the overall plot. Additionally, the film's ending is left open to interpretation, which may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied and confused. While open-ended endings can be effective, in this case, the lack of a definitive conclusion feels like a missed opportunity to tie up loose ends and provide closure to the audience.
"Exposed" is a flawed but still engaging crime drama that is worth watching for the strong performances of its lead actors. However, its confusing plot and unsatisfying ending may leave some viewers feeling underwhelmed.
Exposed Cast
Cast
Characters
Ana de Armas as
Isabel de La Cruz
Keanu Reeves as
Detective Scott Galban
Christopher McDonald as
Lt. Galway
Big Daddy Kane as
Black
Mira Sorvino as
Janine Cullen
Venus Ariel as
Elisa
Ariel Pacheco as
Naldo
Laura Gómez as
Eva
Melissa Linton as
Detective Sarah Ramirez
Michael Rispoli as
Detective Dibronski
Danny Hoch as
Detective Joey Cullen
Ismael Cruz Córdova as
Jose de La Cruz
Monte Greene as
Anthony Galban (VO)
Jeanette Dilone as
Marisol de La Cruz
Exposed Where to Watch?
Exposed Movie Ending Explained - FAQs
Exposed's "Albino Floating Man" is played by Stephen Thompson.
Club Miami is located at 26 Bruckner Blvd in the Bronx, between Alexander and Lincoln Avenues. Washington Heights, Broadway, and Fairview Avenue. Washington Heights, West 189th Street, and St. Nicholas Avenue. Mayra Alante Alante is located in Washington Heights at 4093 Broadway and West 173rd Street.
Arroway goes through space in the film's conclusion, encounters extraterrestrials, and ultimately proves that humans are not the only beings in the cosmos. Alternatively, does she? In reality, Arroway merely thinks she has traveled to space and spoken with an alien, but she has no evidence to support this claim.
Declan Dale is the director of "Exposed."