I suspect either something more traditionally tragic or more romantically redemptive, however, and I am quite happy that the actual film did not.
*nodnodnod* I love the ending fiercely for its delicacy and restraint; it doesn't go beyond what those characters are plausibly capable of at that point, and that makes it very moving for me.
And I love the way the ending of the film isn't a collapse from OT5 into a heterosexual pairing as the Right, Normal, Inevitable outcome of things. You don't have dramatic confessions of love, a kiss on the mouth, a clinch for the fadeout, any of that. Instead, you have two people stranded together after the wreck of their group, uncertain if whatever fragile thing they have can survive (and whether they can survive) without that supportive framework. There's real connection and it's important, but the film doesn't over-state its case.
I hope very much that they can survive, but it doesn't seem guaranteed.
(Yes I am currently writing an essay about this film. Or at least a longer post. Or several.)
Re: Belated comment is belated
*nodnodnod* I love the ending fiercely for its delicacy and restraint; it doesn't go beyond what those characters are plausibly capable of at that point, and that makes it very moving for me.
And I love the way the ending of the film isn't a collapse from OT5 into a heterosexual pairing as the Right, Normal, Inevitable outcome of things. You don't have dramatic confessions of love, a kiss on the mouth, a clinch for the fadeout, any of that. Instead, you have two people stranded together after the wreck of their group, uncertain if whatever fragile thing they have can survive (and whether they can survive) without that supportive framework. There's real connection and it's important, but the film doesn't over-state its case.
I hope very much that they can survive, but it doesn't seem guaranteed.
(Yes I am currently writing an essay about this film. Or at least a longer post. Or several.)