Gattaca Ending Explained, Cast, Plot, and Where to Watch
by Abinaya
Updated May 31, 2023
Gattaca
Released in 1997, Gattaca is an American dystopian science fiction thriller film that marked the directorial debut of Andrew Niccol. Starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, with supporting roles played by Jude Law, Loren Dean, Ernest Borgnine, Gore Vidal, and Alan Arkin, the film presents a biopunk depiction of a future society controlled by eugenics.
In this world, children are conceived through genetic selection to ensure they inherit the most desirable traits from their parents. The story revolves around Vincent Freeman, portrayed by Hawke, who was born outside of this controlled system and faces discrimination based on his genetics as he strives to fulfill his ambition of space exploration.
Gattaca delves into the ethical concerns surrounding reproductive technologies that enable eugenics and raises questions about the potential repercussions of such advancements on society. The film also explores the concept of destiny and its influence on individuals' lives. Throughout the narrative, characters in Gattaca grapple with societal expectations and their own personal struggles in order to carve out their identity and defy the limitations imposed by their genetic makeup.
Gattaca Ending Explained
The ending of Gattaca features Vincent and Anton engaging in a risky game of "chicken" in a pool, reminiscent of their childhood. Despite Anton nearly drowning, Vincent understands that he must ensure his brother's survival. Vincent intends to continue impersonating Jerome when Gattaca launches. Dr. Lamar reveals to Vincent that he is aware of his deception but chooses to play along, as he hopes Vincent will succeed.
Dr. Lamar discloses that his own son faces similar health challenges, and they share the desire for Vincent to overcome them. This poignant and moving moment exemplifies why Gattaca, a '90s film, continues to resonate even after many years. The final scene of Gattaca is heart-wrenching. As the rocket prepares for launch, Vincent discovers that Jerome had given him a lock of his own hair.
Tragically, Jerome then takes his own life to prevent anyone from learning the truth about Vincent's identity. Some fans speculate that Vincent may also die on the rocket due to his heart condition, making survival challenging. Although Gattaca and Sinister, another popular Ethan Hawke film, are vastly different, they both conclude with a bleak and somber tone.
In Sinister, Hawke's character, Ellison Oswalt, a true crime writer, meets his demise at the hands of his possessed daughter. Both films leave a lasting impact. While Gattaca may not be frequently discussed, particularly as a sci-fi movie from the '90s, it deserves more attention due to its thought-provoking ending.
Vincent's desire for adventure and his determination to prove that his birth does not define him are central themes. However, if he does not survive, does the outcome remain the same? This intriguing question suggests that, despite its cliché nature, the journey holds more significance and meaning than the ultimate destination.
Gattaca Cast
Ethan Hawke
Vincent
Uma Thurman
Irene
Jude Law
Jerome
Gore Vidal
Director Josef
Xander Berkeley
Dr. Lamar
Jayne Brook
Marie
Elias Koteas
Antonio
Maya Rudolph
Delivery Nurse
Una Damon
Head Nurse
Elizabeth Dennehy
Pre-School Teacher
Blair Underwood
Geneticist
Mason Gamble
Younger Vincent
Cast
Character
Where is Gattaca Streaming?
Gattaca is a science fiction film released in 1997 that explores themes of genetic discrimination and personal identity in a futuristic society. It is not available for free streaming on popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video. It's recommended to check this platform to see if Gattaca is currently available for streaming.
Gattaca Summary
Vincent Freeman (played by Ethan Hawke) dreams of exploring outer space, but his genetically inferior status as an "in-valid" holds him back. Determined to defy his fate, he buys the genetic identity of Jerome Morrow (portrayed by Jude Law), a genetically superior "valid."
Assuming Jerome's DNA, Vincent joins the Gattaca space program and develops a romantic relationship with Irene (played by Uma Thurman). However, his ambitions are jeopardized when an investigation into the murder of a Gattaca officer (played by Gore Vidal) complicates his carefully crafted plans.
Gattaca Plot
In the future not too far away, the practice of eugenics has become widespread. A genetic database uses biometric data to classify individuals created through genetic selection as "valid," while those conceived naturally, who are more prone to genetic disorders, are labeled as "in-valids." Although genetic discrimination is prohibited by law, in reality, individuals are categorized based on their genotypes, with valid having access to better job opportunities while invalids are relegated to menial positions.
Vincent Freeman, who was conceived naturally, possesses a genetic profile indicating a high likelihood of various disorders and a projected lifespan of 30.2 years. His parents, regretting their decision, opt for genetic selection when conceiving their second child, Anton Jr. Throughout their childhood, the two brothers engage in a game of "chicken," swimming as far as they can into the sea, with the loser being the first to return to shore.
Vincent consistently finds himself on the losing end. Despite dreaming of a career in space travel, Vincent is constantly reminded of his genetic inferiority. One day, Vincent challenges Anton to another game of chicken and emerges victorious. When Anton begins to drown, Vincent comes to his rescue. Following this incident, Vincent decides to leave home.
Years later, Vincent works as a cleaner in various office spaces, including Gattaca Aerospace Corporation, a prominent spaceflight company. A golden opportunity arises for Vincent when he acquires the genetic materials (hair, skin, blood, and urine samples) of Jerome Eugene Morrow, a former swimming champion who became paralyzed in a car accident.
By assuming Jerome's genetic identity, Vincent secures a job at Gattaca and is assigned as a navigator for an upcoming mission to Saturn's moon, Titan. To maintain his facade, Vincent must meticulously cleanse himself daily to remove his own genetic traces, successfully pass regular DNA scanning and urine tests using Jerome's samples, and keep his heart defect hidden.
After a Gattaca administrator is murdered, Vincent's eyelash is discovered at the crime scene. However, since he is considered an "unregistered" in-valid, the police launch an investigation to find the owner of the eyelash. Meanwhile, Vincent develops a close relationship with his coworker Irene Cassini and falls in love with her. Despite being valid, Irene faces the risk of heart failure, which prevents her from participating in deep space missions.
Vincent also discovers that Jerome deliberately caused his own paralysis after failing to live up to his high expectations as an athlete. Jerome believes that he was designed to be the best but feels immense suffering due to his perceived failure. Vincent eludes the investigation multiple times and eventually discovers that Josef, Gattaca's mission director, murdered the administrator to protect the mission.
Vincent's brother, Anton, who is now a detective, learns about Vincent's presence. The brothers confront each other, with Anton warning Vincent about his illegal actions. However, Vincent asserts that he has achieved his position based on his own merits. Anton challenges Vincent to a final game of chicken, but Vincent surprises him with his stamina and reveals that he won by not conserving energy for the swim back.
Vincent rescues Anton when he begins to drown. On the day of the launch, Jerome informs Vincent that he has stored enough DNA samples for him to use upon his return. Jerome gives Vincent an envelope to open during the flight. Vincent bids farewell to Irene and prepares to board the rocket but discovers a final genetic test that requires Jerome's samples, which he currently lacks.
Dr. Lamar, who oversees background checks, surprises Vincent by revealing that he knows about his deception. Lamar acknowledges that his son looks up to Vincent and wonders if his genetically selected son can surpass his predetermined potential, just like Vincent has. The doctor alters the test results, allowing Vincent to pass. As the rocket launches, Jerome immolates himself with his swimming medal. Vincent opens the note from Jerome and finds a lock of his hair.
Gattaca Ending Explained - FAQ
Gattaca was released in 1997, and it marked the directorial debut of Andrew Niccol.
The main cast of Gattaca includes Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Loren Dean, Ernest Borgnine, Gore Vidal, and Alan Arkin.
Gattaca explores themes of genetic discrimination, personal identity, reproductive technologies, societal expectations, and the influence of destiny.
In the end of Gattaca, Vincent, and Anton engage in a risky swimming competition, with Vincent ultimately rescuing Anton. Jerome immolates himself, and Vincent discovers a lock of Jerome's hair in a note.
Gattaca is set in a future society controlled by eugenics, where Vincent Freeman, a genetically inferior "in-valid," assumes the genetic identity of Jerome Morrow, a superior "valid," to join the Gattaca space program. Vincent faces challenges when an investigation into a murder disrupts his plans.