The conclusion of the Triangle of Sadness unfolds with chaos. The film starts with a sinking yacht, followed by the survivors landing on a deserted island, grappling with a mysterious illness caused by spoiled food and turbulent weather. The ending delves deeply into shifting power dynamics, especially when Abigail, a former housekeeper, rises to power. Themes of privilege and societal roles are explored, highlighting the impact of role reversals.
Triangle of Sadness Ending Explained
Triangle of Sadness unfolds in three parts. The opening chapters focus on Carl (Harris Dickinson) and Yaya (Charlbi Dean), a couple of professional models. Yaya enjoys greater success, and their relationship shows signs of strain. In the second chapter, the story shifts to a luxury yacht where the couple mingles with high-profile passengers like Dimitry (Zlatko Burić), Clementine (Amanda Walker), and Jarmo (Henrik Dorsin), along with an overworked crew. Among the staff are Paula (Vicki Berlin), Darius (Arvin Kananian), Abigail (Dolly de Leon), and Captain Thomas Smith (Woody Harrelson).
The Illness on the Yacht
The passengers’ sickness is a pivotal plot point in Triangle of Sadness. Bad food combined with storm-induced turbulence leads to mass vomiting and diarrhea. This food spoilage occurs because, during the captain’s dinner, Vera demands the staff join in recreational activities, despite concerns about the food. The unfortunate combination results in severe seasickness for most passengers, while Captain Smith avoids it due to his special order of a hamburger.
The yacht’s sinking begins after a heated argument between Captain Smith and Dimitry. Broadcast over the P.A. system, this argument attracts the attention of pirates. The pirates, hearing the commotion, throw a grenade onto the yacht. Elderly passengers Clementine and Winston, after recognizing the grenade, are killed when it explodes. The blast sinks the yacht, killing most of the crew and passengers. Seven survivors wash ashore, including Carl, Yaya, Dimitry, Therese (Iris Berben), Paula, Jarmo, and an unfamiliar man named Nelson (Jean-Christophe Folly), claiming to be the yacht’s mechanic. Abigail’s arrival later on introduces a new, dramatic shift in the power structure.
Abigail’s Power Shift
Abigail quickly takes charge upon reaching the island. Unwilling to share food unless acknowledged as the leader, she capitalizes on the survivors’ inability to fend for themselves. With no survival skills, the yacht passengers are forced into submission, and Abigail emerges as the dominant figure. She secures her position by cooking an octopus and hoarding the food. She insists Carl join her inside the lifeboat, trading sexual favors for supplies. This causes tension between Carl and Yaya, unraveling their relationship further.
The final scene sees Carl running through the jungle. While the immediate interpretation is that he’s trying to rescue Yaya, who might be in danger from Abigail, another layer emerges. Director Ruben Östlund offers the idea that Carl’s frantic dash symbolizes his struggle with lost male identity. An audience member suggested this scene represents Carl’s attempt to reclaim his sense of masculinity. Whether he succeeds in saving Yaya or not remains unclear.
Does Abigail Kill Yaya?
As the survivors’ dynamics shift, Abigail becomes increasingly threatening. During a hike, Yaya and Abigail find an elevator, revealing that the island is part of a luxury resort. Yaya, relieved to return to her old life, offers Abigail an assistant role. However, Abigail, unwilling to relinquish her newfound power, prepares to strike Yaya with a rock. The film leaves Yaya’s fate ambiguous, building tension about whether Abigail kills her or if their relationship ends differently, heightening the sense of uncertainty. This unresolved moment adds layers to the psychological intensity of their interactions.
Despite Abigail’s apparent villainy, it’s hard to see her as a true antagonist. Her actions come from a complex place of necessity rather than maliciousness. Abigail’s background as a servant for wealthy individuals like Carl and Yaya makes her actions more understandable. Though she manipulates the survivors, it’s clear that her suffering under the rich has shaped her behavior. Her motives, while not justifiable, are sympathetic, making it difficult to label her as a villain. In the end, Abigail is more a product of her circumstances than a clear-cut villain, showcasing the complexities of survival and power dynamics.
The True Meaning of the Ending
At its core, Triangle of Sadness is a commentary on power dynamics and social structures. The film critiques the privileges of the super-rich, particularly how their status crumbles when stripped of their comforts. The film’s ending illustrates the harsh reality of these shifts in power. On the yacht, staff members are expected to serve without question, leading to disastrous consequences. Once marooned, Abigail manipulates the situation and emerges as the leader, flipping the power dynamic. The film’s finale questions whether Carl and Yaya will reconcile or become victims of this new power structure.
Ruben Östlund’s Take on the Ending
Director Ruben Östlund offers an open interpretation of the ending. He has stated that the ambiguity of Yaya’s fate is intentional, with the key being the possibility of Abigail’s violent act rather than its certainty. Östlund enjoys the various interpretations from the audience and doesn’t mind leaving some answers unanswered. Regarding the infamous vomit-filled scene during the captain’s dinner, Östlund admitted to initially feeling it might have been too excessive. Despite this, he’s proud of the final product, even if it went overboard in its intensity.
Critical Reception
The reception of Triangle of Sadness was mostly positive, with critics praising the middle section, where the wealth disparities between the passengers and crew are exposed. The film’s chaotic energy was highlighted as a standout, particularly in the scenes of vomit and hysteria. However, some critics, like David Ehrlich, expressed disappointment with the third act, calling it underwhelming. Despite mixed reviews of the ending, the film was recognized for its bold commentary on class and power.
Triangle of Sadness is a thought-provoking satire of social hierarchies. Its ending, with its complex moral and thematic elements, offers an ambiguous but insightful look at the consequences of privilege, role reversal, and survival.
