Nocturnal Animals Ending Explained, Plot, Release Date, And Trailer
by Krishika M
Updated Feb 28, 2023
Nocturnal Animals Ending Explained
The ending of the 2016 psychological thriller film "Nocturnal Animals" is ambiguous and open to interpretation, but here is one possible explanation:
The film is divided into two narratives, one following Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), an art gallery owner in Los Angeles, as she receives a manuscript from her ex-husband Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal), and the other portraying the events of the manuscript, which is a violent and unsettling story of a man named Tony Hastings (also played by Gyllenhaal) and his family's encounter with a gang of criminals while driving through rural Texas.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the events of the manuscript are a fictionalized account of Edward's own traumatic experiences with Susan during their marriage, which he has turned into a revenge fantasy. In the manuscript, Tony represents Edward, while the gang of criminals represents Susan and her wealthy, superficial lifestyle.
At the end of the film, Susan reaches out to Edward to arrange a meeting, but he does not show up. Instead, Susan receives a package containing a note from Edward, in which he tells her that he forgives her for leaving him and for the pain that she caused him. He also includes a copy of his novel, "Nocturnal Animals," which he dedicates to her.
The final shot of the film is of Susan, alone in her art gallery, looking pensive and haunted. Some interpretations suggest that the novel is a metaphor for Susan's own life, and that she is realizing that she is trapped in a superficial and unfulfilling existence. Others suggest that a novel is a final act of revenge from Edward, as he has dedicated the book to Susan as a way of forcing her to confront her own cruelty and shallow nature.
Overall, the ending of "Nocturnal Animals" is left open to interpretation, with viewers encouraged to draw their own conclusions about the significance of Edward's manuscript and the effect it has on Susan's life.
Nocturnal Animals Story
"Nocturnal Animals" is a 2016 psychological thriller film directed by Tom Ford and based on the novel "Tony and Susan" by Austin Wright. The film is divided into two interrelated narratives.
The first narrative follows Susan Morrow (Amy Adams), a wealthy art gallery owner in Los Angeles, who is unhappy in her second marriage to an unfaithful husband (Armie Hammer). One day, Susan receives a manuscript from her ex-husband, Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal), whom she has not seen or heard from in years. The manuscript is titled "Nocturnal Animals," and it tells the story of a man named Tony Hastings (also played by Gyllenhaal) and his family's violent encounter with a group of criminals while driving through rural Texas.
The second narrative of the film is the story within the manuscript. Tony, his wife Laura (Isla Fisher), and their daughter India (Ellie Bamber) are driving through the desert at night when they are suddenly forced off the road by a group of menacing men led by Ray Marcus (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Tony is helpless to protect his family as they are taken hostage, and Laura and India are raped and murdered while he watches.
As Susan reads the manuscript, she becomes increasingly disturbed by its violent and unsettling content. She begins to have nightmares and flashbacks to her past with Edward, whom she left years ago for being too sensitive and weak. As she becomes more engrossed in the manuscript, she starts to see similarities between the characters and events in the story and her own life.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the events of the manuscript are a fictionalized account of Edward's own traumatic experiences with Susan during their marriage, which he has turned into a revenge fantasy. In the manuscript, Tony represents Edward, while the gang of criminals represents Susan and her wealthy, superficial lifestyle.
At the end of the film, Susan reaches out to Edward to arrange a meeting, but he does not show up. Instead, Susan receives a package containing a note from Edward, in which he tells her that he forgives her for leaving him and for the pain that she caused him. He also includes a copy of his novel, "Nocturnal Animals," which he dedicates to her.
The film ends with Susan alone in her art gallery, looking pensive and haunted, as the audience is left to interpret the significance of Edward's manuscript and the effect it has on Susan's life.
Nocturnal Animals Release Date
"Nocturnal Animals" was first released in the United States on November 23, 2016, after premiering at the Venice Film Festival earlier that year. The film was directed by Tom Ford and starred Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, and Armie Hammer. "Nocturnal Animals" received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and storytelling, and was nominated for several awards, including nine BAFTA Awards and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Michael Shannon).
Nocturnal Animals Ending Explained - FAQs
Yes, "Nocturnal Animals" is based on the 1993 novel "Tony and Susan" by Austin Wright.
The title "Nocturnal Animals" refers to the creatures that are active at night, which ties into the film's themes of darkness, fear, and danger.
"Nocturnal Animals" is a psychological thriller, with elements of drama and suspense.
The film was directed by Tom Ford, who is known for his work in fashion design and film.
The film received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances, direction, and storytelling. It currently holds an 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Michael Shannon).