The Squid and The Whale Ending Explained, Plot, Cast and more
by Reshwanth A
Updated Jul 10, 2023
The Squid and The Whale
The Squid and the Whale is a movie made in 2005. It's a comedy-drama film that was written and directed by Noah Baumbach and produced by Wes Anderson. The story is somewhat based on Noah Baumbach's own life and it's about two boys who live in Brooklyn and have to deal with their parents getting a divorce in 1986.
The movie gets its name from a display at the American Museum of Natural History that shows a giant squid and a sperm whale. You can actually see this display in the movie. The film was shot using a type of film called Super 16 mm, and they mostly used a handheld camera to film it.
When the movie was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005, it won awards for the best directing and screenwriting in the dramatic category, and it was also nominated for the top prize called the Grand Jury Prize. Noah Baumbach, the writer and director, was later nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The movie got six nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards and three nominations for the Golden Globe Awards.
The Squid and The Whale Ending Explained
During the meeting with the psychologist, Walt starts to understand things without being influenced by his father's opinions. The psychologist asks Walt to remember a happy memory. At first, Walt is unsure, but eventually, he shares a memory from his early childhood when his mother used to take him to see the big squid and whale display at the American Museum of Natural History.
He confesses that the exhibit scared him, so he would peek at it through his fingers. However, when they got home, they would talk about what they saw, and little by little, the exhibit became less scary. It suddenly dawns on Walt that his father was never really there for him, and it was his mother who truly cared.
After a heated argument between Bernard and Joan about who would have custody of Walt and the possibility of Joan taking him back, Bernard collapses on the street outside their house and is taken to the hospital. In that crucial moment, Bernard asks Walt to stay with him, but instead, Walt decides to run to the Natural History Museum. The movie ends with Walt standing in front of the exhibit once more, but this time, he can look at it directly without fear.
The Squid and The Whale Plot
The Squid and The Whale" is a deeply personal and partially autobiographical film that delves into the lives of two teenage brothers, Walt and Frank, as they navigate the challenging terrain of their parents' divorce in 1986, taking place in the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn, New York. Bernard, their father, is a self-absorbed and arrogant writer who becomes entangled in an extramarital affair with a graduate student.
In contrast, Joan, their mother, is a talented writer herself, struggling to reclaim her own identity in the aftermath of the marital breakdown. The film intimately follows the boys as they grapple with the shifting dynamics of their family, facing their own personal relationships and seeking to comprehend the profound effects of divorce on their lives. It artfully captures the emotional ripples that reverberate within a family undergoing separation and shines a poignant light on the intricate complexities of human connections.
The Squid and The Whale Cast
Jeff Daniels
Bernard Berkman
Laura Linney
Joan Berkman
Jesse Eisenberg
Walt Berkman
Owen Kline
Frank Berkman
Anna Paquin
Lili
William Baldwin
Ivan
Halley Feiffer
Sophie Greenberg
Ken Leung
School Therapist
David Benger
Carl
Adam Rose
Otto
Peter Newman
Mr. Greenberg
Peggy Gormley
Mrs. Greenberg
Greta Kline
Greta Greenberg
Maryann Plunkett
Ms. Lemon
Alexandra Daddario
Pretty Girl
Cast
Character
The Squid and The Whale Trailer
Where to Watch The Squid and The Whale
You can watch The Squid and The Whale on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. If you're interested in watching "The Squid and The Whale," it's important to note that its availability can vary across different platforms.
In some cases, you may need to rent or purchase the film from specific sources. However, there's also a possibility that you'll find it available for streaming on certain platforms. To ensure you have the most convenient viewing experience, it's advisable to explore the options provided by different providers.
This way, you can select the approach that best suits your preferences and allows you to fully enjoy the movie. Streaming services have become increasingly popular, offering a wide range of movies and TV shows for subscribers to enjoy. Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+ are known for their extensive libraries of content. It's worth checking if "The Squid and The Whale" is available for streaming on any of these platforms.
The Squid and The Whale Ending Explained - FAQs
The ending of "The Squid and The Whale" is open to interpretation. The film concludes with the two main characters, Walt and Frank, sitting in a park. They engage in a conversation where Walt reveals his plans to become a writer and Frank expresses his desire to visit his mother in California. The final shot shows Walt walking away, leaving Frank alone on the bench.
The ending of "The Squid and The Whale" symbolizes the characters' journeys towards self-discovery and independence. Walt's decision to become a writer represents his desire to establish his own identity and escape the shadow of his father, while Frank's longing to visit his mother reflects his search for stability and connection in his fractured family.
The ending of "The Squid and The Whale" does not provide a clear resolution or reconciliation between the characters. It portrays a moment of transition and uncertainty in their lives. While there are hints of growth and individual paths being pursued, the film leaves it up to the audience to imagine the future trajectory of their relationships.
Walt walking away at the end of "The Squid and The Whale" signifies his decision to assert his independence and forge his own path. It shows that he is ready to leave behind the dysfunctional dynamics of his family and explore his own aspirations. The scene suggests a bittersweet farewell to his brother and the past, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.
The ending of "The Squid and The Whale" is open-ended, leaving the characters' future uncertain. While there are glimmers of hope in Walt and Frank's individual pursuits, the film also acknowledges the lingering impact of their parents' failed marriage. The ending suggests that the characters still have challenges to overcome, but it leaves room for the possibility of growth and personal fulfillment in their respective journeys.