The ending of Signs sees the Hess family – Graham (Mel Gibson), Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), Morgan (Rory Culkin), and Bo (Abigail Breslin) – defeating the alien invaders in their farmhouse by using water, a substance seemingly deadly to them, revealed to be a key element in the deceased Colleen Hess’s final words and Merrill’s surprising baseball prowess. This climactic resolution emphasizes themes of faith, family, and the seemingly coincidental nature of divine intervention.
The Climax: Facing the Invaders
The film culminates in a harrowing home invasion by the aliens. The Hess family is trapped inside their farmhouse, barricading doors and windows against the menacing creatures. This sequence showcases the family’s initial fear and desperation, highlighting their vulnerability in the face of an unknown enemy. Throughout the film, Graham Hess, a former priest who lost his faith after his wife’s tragic death, grapples with his spiritual beliefs. This final confrontation forces him to confront his lost faith and question the existence of a higher power.
The Water Revelation
The crucial turning point arrives when Morgan suffers an asthma attack, requiring water to open his constricted airways. This mirrors a recurring motif throughout the film – Bo’s persistent refusal to drink water, stating that it’s “contaminated” or “bad.” These moments, initially presented as quirky child behavior, are ultimately revealed as crucial foreshadowing. The aliens’ extreme vulnerability to water is the key to their downfall, a weakness seemingly overlooked by these technologically advanced beings.
Merrill’s Final Swing
As the aliens close in, Graham remembers Colleen’s last words: “See. See. Swing away, Merrill.” These words, initially a cryptic reference to Merrill’s potential as a baseball player, are suddenly illuminated. Graham instructs Merrill to use his baseball bat to defend the family. In a moment of inspired action, Merrill swings the bat with all his might, striking a nearby pitcher of water and drenching one of the aliens. The alien recoils in agony, confirming the water’s deadly effect. This act, combined with the water spilled to help Morgan, weakens the invaders, allowing the family to survive.
Interpreting the Ending: Faith, Coincidence, and Divine Providence
The ending of Signs is deliberately ambiguous, prompting diverse interpretations regarding the role of faith, coincidence, and divine providence.
The Role of Faith
The film doesn’t explicitly state that God intervened to save the Hess family. However, the series of seemingly coincidental events – Colleen’s dying words, Bo’s aversion to water, Morgan’s asthma attack, Merrill’s baseball skills – can be interpreted as divine orchestration. Graham’s journey throughout the film involves a rediscovery of his faith. The ending allows him to see these “coincidences” as signs, reinforcing his belief that his family was protected.
Challenging Scientific Explanations
The film also subtly challenges purely scientific explanations. While the aliens’ weakness to water might be explained by some biological factor, the sequence of events leading to their defeat feels too perfectly aligned to be purely random. This deliberate ambiguity is a hallmark of Shyamalan’s storytelling, encouraging viewers to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and the possibility of forces beyond human comprehension.
The Power of Family
Ultimately, the ending emphasizes the importance of family and the strength found in unity. The Hess family’s survival depends on their ability to work together, trust each other, and find meaning in seemingly random events. This emphasizes the idea that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, family can provide solace, strength, and ultimately, salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of Signs
1. Why are the aliens in Signs so vulnerable to water?
The film never explicitly states the reason. The vulnerability to water is presented as a plot device to highlight the seemingly random nature of their defeat. The assumption is often that their skin or respiratory system is unable to handle water on the alien’s native planet, making them vulnerable on Earth.
2. What is the significance of Colleen Hess’s dying words, “See. See. Swing away, Merrill”?
Colleen’s words serve as a vital clue, hinting at Merrill’s latent baseball skills and the ultimate weapon against the aliens. They also represent a form of posthumous guidance, suggesting that Colleen’s spirit might still be watching over her family.
3. Was the water in Bo’s glasses actually contaminated?
The film doesn’t confirm actual contamination. It’s implied that Bo’s aversion to water is subconsciously influenced by the presence of the aliens and their vulnerability to it, a form of intuition or a premonition.
4. Why did the aliens choose to invade a planet where water is abundant?
This remains a significant plot hole. Several theories have been proposed, including the idea that they were desperate for resources and underestimated water’s potential harm, or that they planned to terraform the planet after eliminating the human population. The film leaves this ambiguity unresolved, forcing viewers to question the aliens’ intelligence and strategic planning.
5. Is Signs a religious film?
While Signs explores themes of faith, loss, and redemption, it’s not explicitly a religious film. The film uses religious imagery and symbolism to examine the human response to fear and uncertainty, leaving the ultimate interpretation of divine intervention to the viewer.
6. How does Graham’s character arc contribute to the meaning of the ending?
Graham’s journey from a disillusioned former priest to a man who rediscovers his faith is central to the film’s theme. The ending allows him to see the “coincidences” as signs, reinforcing his belief in a higher power and providing closure to his grief.
7. What other themes are explored in Signs besides faith?
Signs explores themes of family, grief, fear of the unknown, the power of intuition, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
8. Are there any clues throughout the film that foreshadow the aliens’ weakness to water?
Yes. Bo’s refusal to drink water is the most obvious clue. The constant references to water, rain, and moisture create a subtle sense of foreboding, hinting at its significance. The repetitive nature draws attention to water as a recurring element.
9. What is the overall message of Signs?
The overall message of Signs is open to interpretation, but it suggests that even in the face of overwhelming adversity and inexplicable events, faith, family, and the ability to find meaning in seemingly random occurrences can provide strength and hope.
10. How does the cinematography contribute to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere?
Shyamalan’s use of long shots, slow zooms, and limited visibility creates a sense of unease and suspense. The focus on the cornfields as a symbol of the unknown enhances the feeling of impending danger.
11. Why is Merrill so important to the ending?
Merrill’s baseball talent, seemingly insignificant at the beginning, becomes crucial to the family’s survival. His character represents the idea that everyone possesses unique skills and abilities that can be valuable in unexpected situations. He also symbolizes the potential for redemption, as he had past baseball failures that the audience knows about.
12. Could the ending of Signs be interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles?
Yes. The alien invasion can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles we face in life. The Hess family’s struggle to survive represents the importance of faith, resilience, and family support in overcoming personal adversity. The ending suggests that even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds, inner strength and unexpected resources can lead to triumph.