The film Parasite leaves many viewers with questions about its ending, which is layered with meaning and symbolism. The story, told through the experiences of the Kim family, mixes dark humour with social commentary on class struggles.
The closing scenes bring the story to a tense and emotionally charged climax that requires close attention to understand fully. To make sense of what happens at the end, it is important to look carefully at the events and motivations of the characters throughout the film.
Violence erupts as social divides explode during the garden party (Photo: Parasite /CJ Entertainment and Barunson E&A)
The Hidden Basement and Its Impact
The discovery of the hidden basement under the wealthy Park family’s house plays a crucial role in the final act. The Kim family believed they had gained stability and comfort by securing jobs with the Parks.
However, the revelation that the former housekeeper’s husband has been living secretly underground adds a shocking twist. This man’s presence represents the unseen poverty lurking beneath the surface of society, hidden away but very much alive. His sudden appearance during the garden party turns the night into chaos.
The underground man, driven by desperation and resentment, attacks the Kim family in a violent outburst. This brutal confrontation exposes how deep the divide is between the social classes and how far people will go to protect what they consider their right or refuge. It also shows how fragile the illusion of upward mobility is for the Kims, despite their efforts to improve their situation.
The Garden Party and Its Tragedy
The garden party hosted by the Parks was supposed to be a celebration, a moment of joy and pride. Instead, it turns into a scene of horror. The conflict between the two families escalates in front of the wealthy guests who remain mostly oblivious to the violence occurring nearby. The stark contrast between the Park family’s carefree celebration and the violent struggle below reveals the sharp differences in lived realities.
During the party, Ki-taek, the Kim family’s father, reaches a breaking point. His anger and humiliation build up after years of feeling invisible and powerless. When Mr Park unknowingly insults him, Ki-taek reacts with violence.
This act symbolizes the eruption of pent-up frustration from those kept at the margins of society. His choice to flee into the hidden bunker beneath the house is both an escape and a surrender to the hopelessness of his position.
Ki-woo’s Dream and Harsh Reality
Ki-woo, the son of the Kim family, dreams of a future where he can buy the Park house and rescue his father from the basement prison. This hope is presented through a letter he imagines writing to his father, promising that one day the family will be reunited in a better place. The film ends with Ki-woo beginning a tutoring job, which represents a chance for advancement and change.
However, the film leaves the viewer uncertain if this dream can become reality. The struggle of the Kim family suggests that social mobility is an elusive goal for many. Ki-woo’s hopeful vision contrasts sharply with the grim facts of his father’s situation. The story ends on a note of ambiguity, forcing the audience to think about how entrenched inequality can crush even the strongest desires for a new life.
Symbolism in the Ending Scenes
Several symbols enrich the meaning of the ending. The basement itself represents the deep social divide, a hidden world beneath the surface of society. Ki-taek’s retreat to this place shows how those at the bottom are often trapped in circumstances beyond their control. The recurring motif of stairs throughout the film also emphasizes the difficulty of moving up or down the social ladder.
Another symbol is the scholar’s rock, which appears early in the story as a gift and later becomes an instrument in the violent confrontation. It symbolizes hope and burden at the same time, representing the weight of aspirations and the harsh reality that crushes them. The rock’s presence in the final scenes reminds viewers that dreams can carry danger when mixed with desperation.
What the Ending Says About Society
The film’s closing moments offer a harsh critique of social inequality and the myths of meritocracy. The Kims’ attempts to infiltrate the upper class and improve their lives eventually end in tragedy.
This suggests that the barriers between classes are not only economic but also deeply psychological and cultural. Those born into poverty face obstacles that go beyond money, including humiliation, lack of opportunity, and societal indifference.
The Parks, while unaware of the full extent of the suffering beneath them, represent a class insulated from hardship. Their ignorance and naivety make them part of the problem, even if unintentionally. The film does not assign simple blame but paints a complex picture of a divided society where cruelty and kindness exist side by side.
The Fate of the Kim Family
After the violent events, the Kim family is broken apart in different ways. Ki-taek hides underground, living a shadowy existence. The mother, Chung-sook, and the daughter, Ki-jung, try to rebuild their lives, but the damage is deep.
The underground man’s desperate attack shatters fragile illusions (Photo: Parasite /CJ Entertainment and Barunson E&A)
Ki-woo carries the burden of his family’s suffering and the responsibility to make a better future. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of unresolved tension, as none of the characters fully escape the consequences of their actions or their social status.
This unresolved nature reflects real-world challenges faced by those caught in cycles of poverty and inequality. The film closes without neat resolutions, emphasizing that change is slow and difficult, often painful.
The last scenes of Parasite challenge viewers to think deeply about what justice and fairness mean in society. The film uses personal tragedy to highlight larger issues that affect millions of people. Its ambiguous ending invites reflection on whether hope is enough when systems remain stacked against the poor.
Parasite remains a powerful work that refuses easy answers. The story’s conclusion asks questions rather than providing solutions, encouraging audiences to consider how much their world resembles the one shown on screen. It stays with the viewer long after the credits roll because of the emotional weight it carries.
For those interested, Parasite is available to watch on streaming platforms such as Netflix . It has gained international recognition for its storytelling and the way it captures human struggles across social divides.
Watching the film carefully, especially the ending, allows one to appreciate the depth and artistry that made it a landmark in cinema history.
Spider-Man: No Way Home brought a whirlwind of excitement and emotion, wrapping up several threads from previous Spider-Man stories while introducing new twists.
The film’s ending leaves viewers both satisfied and curious about what comes next for Peter Parker. Here is a clear explanation of how the story wraps up and what it means for the future.
Alone and anonymous Peter embraces heroism beyond the spotlight (Photo: Spider Man: No Way Home/Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios)
Peter’s Sacrifice and Its Consequences
At the heart of the movie’s finale lies Peter Parker’s decision to erase himself from everyone’s memory. After all the chaos caused by the multiverse breaking open, Peter understands that the only way to protect his loved ones is to make everyone forget who he is entirely. This includes his closest friends and family, even MJ and Ned.
The spell cast by Doctor Strange backfires badly, bringing villains and heroes from other universes into Peter’s world. To fix this, Peter chooses to take the painful step of sacrificing his connections for the greater good.
This act not only restores balance but also closes the door to the multiverse threats for now. Peter’s identity becomes a secret again, which is ironic since the movie began with his identity being exposed worldwide.
He must now rebuild his life from scratch without the support network he once had. The final scenes show a more humble Peter, living alone and helping people anonymously, embracing the true meaning of heroism beyond fame or recognition.
The Role of the Multiverse
The multiverse concept drives much of the movie’s tension and excitement. When Peter asks Doctor Strange to erase everyone’s memory of him, the spell goes wrong and tears open portals to alternate realities.
This leads to appearances by previous Spider-Men, villains, and characters from past Spider-Man films, creating a crossover event viewers had dreamed of for years. These interactions give the movie a nostalgic feel but also serve a bigger purpose: showing Peter how complex and dangerous these alternate dimensions can be.
By the end, the multiverse damage is repaired, but it comes at a cost. The merging of universes is undone, and those who crossed over must return to their timelines. This restores order but leaves Peter as the only Spider-Man left in his world, now fully responsible for protecting it alone.
Emotional Growth of Peter Parker
Peter’s journey throughout the movie highlights his maturity and willingness to put others before himself. Unlike earlier stories where Peter was more focused on personal relationships and his challenges, here he embraces a heavier burden. Choosing to be forgotten by those he loves shows how deeply he understands his role as a hero.
This emotional growth is emphasized by his interactions with the two other Spider-Men. Their guidance helps him realize that being Spider-Man means sacrifice and sometimes loneliness. The teamwork among the three versions of Peter Parker is not just action-packed but also meaningful, showing how they learn from one another and face their fears.
The Fate of Other Characters
Many of the other characters also experience closure or change by the end. Doctor Strange remains wary but supportive of Peter’s final choice. Aunt May’s death earlier in the movie profoundly impacts Peter’s decision-making and reinforces the stakes involved. MJ and Ned are left confused by the sudden loss of Peter’s memory but remain hopeful that someday, things might change.
The villains who appeared due to the multiverse disturbance are either cured or sent back, offering them a chance at a new path. This resolution gives a sense of justice beyond simple defeat, allowing some characters a form of redemption or new beginnings.
Setup for Future Stories
Though the movie closes many chapters, it also hints at what lies ahead. With Peter isolated and his identity erased, there is a clean slate for new adventures.
The final shot of Peter web-slinging alone in New York sets the tone for future challenges he will face without the usual support. This opens the door for fresh storytelling opportunities where Peter’s character can develop in unexpected ways.
The brief appearance of some characters and unresolved questions also suggest that Spider-Man’s story will continue to expand, possibly involving new threats or alliances. The film leaves audiences eager to see what direction the Spider-Man saga will take next.
Technical and Story Highlights of the Ending
The ending uses a clever mix of emotional drama and thrilling action to deliver a powerful conclusion. The spell sequence and multiverse closures are visually impressive while also being central to the plot’s resolution. The dialogues between the three Spider-Men are filled with humor and wisdom, balancing the tension with lighter moments.
Music and pacing in the final scenes enhance the mood, making Peter’s sacrifice feel both heartbreaking and heroic. The camera work focuses on close-ups during emotional moments, ensuring viewers connect with Peter’s internal struggles.
Why This Ending Resonates
Peter’s choice to lose his personal connections in order to save the wider world echoes the true spirit of a hero. The film avoids easy solutions or happy endings, instead portraying heroism as a complex and sometimes painful journey. This realistic approach makes the ending impactful and memorable.
Viewers appreciate the respectful treatment of past Spider-Man stories while pushing the character forward. The ending does not rely on gimmicks but rather on Peter’s growth and the consequences of his actions, giving the movie a meaningful finish.
