The Revenant Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer, and More
by Priyanka P
Updated Jul 21, 2023
The Revenant Ending Explained
The ending of "The Revenant" is a crucial and poignant moment in the film, signifying both the physical and emotional journey of the protagonist, Hugh Glass, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.After a series of harrowing events and a relentless pursuit of vengeance, Hugh Glass finally tracks down Fitzgerald, the man who killed his son and left him for dead.
The confrontation between Glass and Fitzgerald takes place near a slushy creek, and it is an intense and brutal fight, reminiscent of Glass's earlier battle with a grizzly bear. During the confrontation, both men sustained severe injuries, and the struggle is depicted as a desperate fight for survival and justice.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Glass manages to overpower Fitzgerald and gains the upper hand. He is filled with a mix of anger, grief, and a deep desire for retribution. As Fitzgerald lies there, bleeding and broken, he mocks Glass, reminding him that no amount of revenge will bring back his son. This taunt adds emotional weight to the moment, further fueling Glass's turmoil.
Amidst the chaos of the confrontation, Hugh Glass experiences a moment of profound reflection and emotional turmoil. Suddenly, a ghostly vision of his dead wife appears before him. This apparition symbolizes the heavy burden of grief and loss that Glass carries with him throughout his journey.
The film's closing images show Glass watching his wife's ghostly figure walk away, leaving him in utter despair. The juxtaposition of the snowy landscape and Glass's snow-encrusted beard adds to the haunting atmosphere of the scene. Despite everything he has endured, Glass continues to breathe and survive.
The ending of "The Revenant" leaves the audience with a sense of ambiguity regarding Glass's fate. Some viewers might wonder if Glass survives the encounter with Fitzgerald or succumbs to his injuries. However, the answer lies in a crucial piece of dialogue from earlier in the film.
In a flashback scene with his son, Glass imparts a profound life lesson, telling him never to give up and to keep fighting for as long as he can still breathe. This advice becomes a poignant reflection of Glass's own resilience and determination to endure, even in the face of insurmountable challenges.
The film's conclusion emphasizes the indomitable spirit of the human will and the enduring strength that lies within individuals, even in the most desperate and dire circumstances. The ending of "The Revenant" is a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion to the protagonist's journey. It leaves viewers with a haunting and thought-provoking portrayal of survival, grief, and the unyielding pursuit of justice and retribution.
The Revenant Ending Plot
In the intense and gripping conclusion of "The Revenant," Hugh Glass, the determined fur trapper portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, embarks on a relentless pursuit of vengeance and survival in the harsh American wilderness of the 1820s.
After a brutal bear attack leaves Glass near death, his fellow trapper, John Fitzgerald (played by Tom Hardy), betrays him, leaving him for dead and killing Glass's son, Hawk, in the process. Glass is left wounded and alone, with the fierce Arikara tribe in pursuit. Despite the odds stacked against him, Glass summons his inner strength and begins a grueling journey to seek revenge on Fitzgerald and fulfill his promise to his deceased son.
During his journey, Glass faces numerous life-threatening challenges, from enduring extreme weather conditions to engaging in fierce battles with both nature and hostile individuals. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with a Pawnee refugee named Hikuc, who imparts spiritual wisdom about the concept of revenge.
Glass's path to retribution takes a dark turn when he encounters a group of French hunters who have brutally lynched Hikuc. Driven by anger and determination, Glass takes revenge on the hunters and rescues Powaqa, a young Native American woman, from her rapist.
As Glass nears his ultimate goal of confronting Fitzgerald, he is once again ambushed by the Arikara. Despite the perilous situation, Glass manages to survive a treacherous fall by seeking refuge inside the carcass of a dead horse during a harsh stormy night.
Meanwhile, back at Fort Kiowa, Bridger, another young trapper who was unwittingly involved in Hawk's death, comes across Glass's canteen with a distinctive engraved spiral symbol. Believing it might belong to Hawk, he informs Captain Andrew Henry (played by Domhnall Gleeson) that Glass may still be alive. An expedition to find Glass is organized, and it becomes apparent that Fitzgerald is the true perpetrator of the crimes.
In a fateful encounter, Glass comes face to face with Fitzgerald near a riverbank. A brutal and savage fight ensues between the two men, with Glass determined to exact his revenge. However, as the fight unfolds, Glass spots a group of Arikara downstream. In a moment of profound realization, he remembers Hikuc's teachings about revenge being in the hands of a higher power.
Deciding to let go of his need for personal vengeance, Glass pushes Fitzgerald downstream towards the approaching Arikara, effectively leaving his nemesis to face his own fate. The Arikara chief, Elk Dog, kills and scalps Fitzgerald, ending his reign of violence and deceit.
As the Arikara spare Glass's life, he retreats into the mountains, seeking solace and closure. There, he has a spiritual vision of his deceased wife's ghost, providing a sense of peace and resolution.The film concludes with Glass, scarred both physically and emotionally by his treacherous journey, still breathing and enduring.
The haunting image of Glass in the wilderness embodies the indomitable spirit of the human will to survive and the timeless struggle for justice and redemption. "The Revenant" is a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the enduring power of the natural world.
Where to Watch The Revenant?
"The Revenant" is available for streaming on Netflix. The availability of the film depends upon your geographical location.
"The Revenant" was available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible to Amazon Prime subscribers. If you have an active subscription to Amazon Prime, you can watch the movie as part of your membership benefits.
Alternatively, for viewers who do not have an Amazon Prime subscription, "The Revenant" was available for purchase on popular digital platforms such as Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Apple TV. This means you could buy the movie as a download and add it to your digital collection, giving you the freedom to watch it whenever you like.
Moreover, if you prefer not to purchase the movie, you had the option to rent "The Revenant" on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube. Renting allowed you to stream the movie online for a limited period, usually 24 to 48 hours, giving you a more cost-effective way to enjoy the film without committing to a full purchase.
The Revenant Cast
Cast
Character
Leonardo DiCaprio
Hugh Glass
Tom Hardy
John S. Fitzgerald
Domhnall Gleeson
Andrew Henry
Will Poulter
Jim Bridger
Forrest Goodluck
Hawk
Paul Anderson
Anderson
Kristoffer Joner
Murphy
Duane Howard
Elk Dog
Melaw Nakehk'o
Powaqa
Arthur Redcloud
Hikuc
Lukas Haas
Jones
Brendan Fletcher
Fryman
Tom Guiry
Billy Brother Trapper
Grace Dove
Hugh Glass's wife
The Revenant Trailer
The Revenant Release Date
"The Revenant" was released on 26th February 2016 in India. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film is based on the novel "The Revenant" and tells the harrowing tale of Hugh Glass, a legendary frontiersman, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie takes place in the unforgiving American wilderness of the 1820s and is a gripping exploration of survival, revenge, and betrayal.
Hugh Glass leads a hunting crew through dangerous territories, but their expedition takes a disastrous turn when he is viciously mauled by a bear during an attack. Left severely injured and unable to continue with the group, Glass is abandoned by his fellow hunters, including John S. Fitzgerald, played by Tom Hardy, who betrays him and leaves him for dead.
Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Glass refuses to succumb to his injuries and draws upon his survival skills, grit, and determination to stay alive. His unwavering desire for revenge fuels his resolve, and he embarks on a treacherous journey through the wilderness to confront Fitzgerald and seek justice for the betrayal.
Throughout the film, viewers witness the breathtaking cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki, which captures the raw beauty and brutality of the natural world that becomes both a friend and a foe to Glass in his struggle for survival. The haunting and evocative musical score composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto adds to the emotional depth of the story.
"The Revenant" received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, intense performances, and visually stunning portrayal of the harsh wilderness. The film was distributed by 20th Century Studios and went on to earn numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards, with Leonardo DiCaprio winning his first Oscar for his remarkable performance as Hugh Glass.
The movie's release in India on 26th February 2016 allowed audiences worldwide to experience this gripping and visceral journey of human resilience and the unyielding pursuit of justice.
The Revenant Ending Explained - FAQs
In the ending of "The Revenant," Hugh Glass, after a brutal fight, spares his nemesis, John Fitzgerald, and lets him face his own fate with the approaching Arikara. Glass chooses to move beyond personal revenge, embracing the wisdom of Hikuc's teachings about leaving retribution to a higher power.
"The Revenant" follows the legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass, who is severely injured in a bear attack and left for dead by his hunting crew. He uses his survival skills to endure the wilderness and seek revenge on his betrayer.
"The Revenant" was released in India on 26th February 2016.
"The Revenant" was directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
The film's music was composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto.