The chilling climax of Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ reveals a devastating truth: Adelaide Wilson is not who she thinks she is. She is, in fact, the original Red, the tethered who swapped places with the above-ground Adelaide as a child and lived a life of privilege ever since.
Understanding the Twist: The Real Adelaide Emerges
The revelation that Adelaide is Red fundamentally alters the entire narrative of ‘Us’. The film isn’t just about a family fighting doppelgangers; it’s a story of stolen identity, suppressed trauma, and the lingering consequences of a systematic injustice. The final showdown between Adelaide and Red in the tethered facility reveals the full scope of the deception. Red, the tethered Adelaide, orchestrated the uprising, the “Untethering,” driven by a lifetime of resentment and a desire to reclaim her birthright, a life above ground.
The ending sees Adelaide, now exposed as the original Red, seemingly defeat and kill Red, cementing her family’s safety and normalcy. However, the film cleverly hints at a darker future. Her son, Jason/Pluto, realizes something is amiss, subtly mirroring the knowing look Red possessed throughout the film. This suggests that the cycle of trauma and identity displacement may not be truly broken, but rather merely postponed. The film deliberately leaves the audience with lingering questions and anxieties about the nature of identity, privilege, and the unseen consequences of societal inequalities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ending of ‘Us’
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the ending of ‘Us’, designed to clarify ambiguities and deepen your understanding of the film’s complex themes:
What was the significance of the rabbits?
The rabbits were integral to the tethered’s existence, acting as both a food source and a symbol of their forced subservience. They are confined and bred, mirroring the tethered’s own lives beneath the surface. Their abundance and unsettling presence underscore the sheer scale of the tethered population and the artificiality of their world. The rabbits’ blank, unseeing eyes also reflect the dehumanization the tethered experience.
Why did Red want to “Untether”?
Red’s motivation stemmed from a deep-seated resentment and a desire for retribution. Having experienced a life of enforced darkness and imitation, she sought to reclaim what she believed was rightfully hers: a life of freedom and individuality above ground. The “Untethering” was her attempt to disrupt the established social order and hold the above-ground world accountable for the tethered’s suffering.
How did Adelaide switch places with Red?
The film doesn’t explicitly show the swap, but it’s strongly implied that the young Red lured the young Adelaide into the funhouse’s mirror maze and forcibly switched places with her. The trauma of this event caused Adelaide to lose her ability to speak properly and to suppress the memories of her true identity.
What happened to the original Adelaide’s family?
The fate of the original Adelaide’s tethered family is not explicitly shown in the film. However, it’s reasonable to assume that Red, now living as Adelaide, integrated herself into the Wilson family and either eliminated or displaced the original tethered versions of her husband and children. The film subtly implies this through the Wilsons’ unique characteristics reflected in their tethered counterparts.
Why did Jason/Pluto wear the mask?
Jason’s mask likely served as a coping mechanism for dealing with the trauma of his tethered existence and the suppressed knowledge of his mother’s true identity. The mask, resembling an animal, could symbolize his connection to the primal, instinctual nature of the tethered. It’s also possible that the mask shielded him from the psychological dissonance of living as a “normal” boy while carrying the burden of his tethered past.
What did the “Hands Across America” initiative symbolize?
“Hands Across America” serves as a potent symbol of failed social idealism. The initiative aimed to connect the wealthy and the impoverished, but it ultimately fell short of its goals, leaving a legacy of broken promises and unfulfilled potential. In the film, the tethered recreate this gesture as a chilling, symbolic representation of their desire to connect with and overthrow the above-ground world. It highlights the disconnect between intention and impact.
Was the entire Untethering planned by Red since childhood?
While the full scope of Red’s plan may have evolved over time, the film suggests that the seed of resentment and rebellion was planted in her mind from a very young age. The moment she was abandoned in the underground facility, replaced by Adelaide, fueled her lifelong desire for revenge and restoration. Her meticulous choreography of the Untethering suggests years of planning and preparation.
What is the significance of the scissors?
The scissors are a recurring motif throughout the film, representing the duality of connection and separation. They are used to literally sever the tethered from their above-ground counterparts, but they also symbolize the broken connection between the two worlds. The scissors are a tool of both destruction and creation, reflecting the complex and ambiguous nature of the tethered’s actions.
What does the “11:11” phenomenon signify?
The repeated appearance of “11:11” is often associated with synchronicities, awakening, and a connection to a higher power. In ‘Us,’ it could signify the alignment of the two worlds, the breaking of the veil between reality and the tethered underworld. It also hints at a destined or preordained aspect to the events unfolding in the film.
Is Jason/Pluto aware of his mother’s true identity at the end?
The ending strongly implies that Jason has at least a subconscious awareness of his mother’s true identity. His knowing glance and the subtle mirroring of Red’s earlier behavior suggest that he has sensed the truth and is perhaps beginning to understand the complex and unsettling nature of his family’s history.
What is the overall message or theme of ‘Us’?
‘Us’ explores themes of social inequality, privilege, identity, and the suppressed trauma that lurks beneath the surface of society. It challenges viewers to confront the darker aspects of human nature and to examine the consequences of unchecked power and systemic injustice. The film suggests that the problems we ignore or suppress will eventually resurface in unexpected and potentially violent ways.
Are there any clues hinting at Adelaide being Red earlier in the movie?
Yes, subtle clues are scattered throughout the film. These include:
- Adelaide’s strange behavior and flashbacks to the funhouse.
- Her exceptional dancing abilities, a skill supposedly acquired underground.
- Her unease and familiarity with the tunnels.
- The way she kills Red, with a particular ferocity and practiced skill.
- Her inability to fully articulate the trauma of her childhood experience.
These seemingly minor details, when viewed in retrospect, provide compelling evidence of Adelaide’s true identity and the elaborate deception she has maintained for decades. They demonstrate Peele’s masterful ability to weave complex narratives with layers of hidden meaning, inviting viewers to continually re-evaluate their understanding of the film.