American Fiction: understand the ending of the Oscar-winning film available on Prime Video

American Fictiondirected by Cord Jefferson and available on Prime Video, is a work that challenges narrative conventions and explores the complexities of racial representation in literature and cinema. But what happens at the end of the film, which won an Oscar in 2024? Minha Série is here to explain everything!

The film follows the journey of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, played masterfully by Jeffrey Wright. He brings to life an author and professor who finds himself in conflict with the publishing market’s expectations regarding black literature.

Source: Prime Video

Challenging stereotypes

Monk, whose previous works, although acclaimed, have not achieved commercial success, faces a new challenge when her latest novel is rejected for not meeting stereotypical expectations of black “authenticity.” In an act of defiance, he creates a fictitious persona, Stagg R. Leighand writes a novel that intentionally exaggerates racial clichés and stereotypes, hoping to satirize the success of works he sees as pandering to popular preconceptions.

What begins as a satire turns into an unexpected success, leading Monk to a crisis of identity and artistic integrity. The film then takes us to a surprising and metaphorical ending, in which the narrative unfolds into multiple layers of reality.

Conflict of narratives

As the protagonist prepares to reveal his true identity during an awards ceremony, the film cuts abruptly to a scene in which he is discussing the end of a film — which is, in fact, American Fiction itself — with a producer, Wiley (Adam Brody). This revelation of a film within a film questions the authenticity of the previous narrative and introduces alternative endings considered by both.

The ending of American Fiction is full of surprises.Source: Prime Video

One of these proposed closures involves a romantic reunion with Coraline, suggesting a conventional resolution that is quickly dismissed. Another ending, which Wiley favors, is tragic and sensational.

In this “emotion-filled” and Hollywood-standard ending, Monk is killed by police on stage, mistaken for an armed criminal, an ending he detests for its lack of authenticity and exploration of racial violence. This debate over outcomes reflects the tension between artistic integrity and commercial demands, highlighting how narratives about black life are shaped and consumed by the public.

Beyond expectations

American Fiction is an incisive critique of the literary and film industry, exploring how Black stories are often simplified and commercialized. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own expectations and media consumption, while navigating the complexities of representation, authenticity, and the fine line between art and exploitation.

With powerful performances and a narrative that constantly questions reality, the production is a provocative work that remains with the viewer long after they finish, inviting reflection on the nuances of artistic creation and the responsibility of telling stories within a racial context.

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