The movie New Moon, the second installment in the Twilight Saga, concludes with Bella Swan and Edward Cullen reuniting after a period of separation precipitated by Edward’s fear of endangering Bella. This reconciliation is solidified at the Volturi’s stronghold in Volterra, Italy, where Bella and Alice Cullen rescue Edward from exposing himself and provoking the powerful vampire coven into a deadly confrontation.
The Volturi Intervention: A Race Against Time
The climax of New Moon revolves around Bella’s realization that Edward intends to reveal himself to humans in Volterra, Italy, driven to despair by his belief that she has died following a reckless motorcycle accident. Alice, using her precognitive abilities, foresees this and races Bella to Italy in a desperate attempt to stop him.
Bella’s Desperate Plea
Upon arriving in Volterra, Bella and Alice manage to reach Edward just as he steps into sunlight, ready to reveal his vampiric nature. Bella, using her human shield abilities (a unique trait in her future vampire transformation), tackles him, preventing the exposure. Their reunion is intensely emotional, but the appearance of the Volturi, the ancient and powerful vampire rulers, complicates matters significantly.
Judgment and Intervention
The Volturi, led by Aro, Caius, and Marcus, are intrigued by Bella’s immunity to Edward’s powers and Alice’s visions. They recognize her as a threat to the vampire secret and initially intend to kill her. However, Edward and Alice argue for her life, explaining her knowledge of their world and Alice’s vision of Bella eventually becoming a vampire herself. Aro, fascinated by the potential, decides to let Bella live, but demands that she be transformed into a vampire.
Edward’s Return: A Promise and a Proposal
The Volturi’s decree serves as a catalyst for Edward’s change of heart. Realizing the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of his actions, he understands that leaving Bella was a mistake.
Back in Forks: A Different Perspective
Returning to Forks, Washington, Edward publicly acknowledges his love for Bella and confirms his commitment to remaining with her. He admits his fear-driven departure was wrong and that he cannot live without her.
The Choice: Vampirism or a Normal Life?
The film concludes with Edward offering Bella a choice: he will transform her into a vampire, fulfilling the Volturi’s demand and ensuring their safety, or they can try to live a “normal” life together. Bella, predictably, chooses vampirism, expressing her unwavering desire to spend eternity with Edward. However, she sets a condition: she wants to experience marriage before undergoing the transformation. Edward, initially reluctant, eventually agrees to consider her request, setting the stage for the next installment in the saga, Eclipse. The final scene depicts them embracing, reaffirming their love and their commitment to an uncertain future, shadowed by the watchful eyes of the Volturi. The film ends on a note of anticipation and the promise of future challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Moon’s Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions that dive deeper into the intricacies of the movie’s conclusion, providing further insight and clarity:
FAQ 1: Why did Edward leave Bella in the first place?
Edward left Bella because he believed he was putting her in danger simply by being near her. James’ attack on Bella in the first movie, Twilight, confirmed his fears about the threat his vampire existence posed to her mortal life. He felt it was better for her to live a normal, safe life without him.
FAQ 2: Why did Edward want to reveal himself to humans in Volterra?
Edward was under the mistaken impression that Bella had died. Overcome with grief and feeling responsible, he sought a dramatic, suicidal end by exposing himself to humans, which would inevitably provoke the Volturi to intervene and execute him. He saw it as a fitting punishment for his perceived failure to protect Bella.
FAQ 3: What are the powers of the Volturi?
The Volturi possess a variety of powers, primarily focusing on mental manipulation and control. Aro can read a person’s entire history by touching them, Marcus can sense the strength and nature of relationships, and Jane can inflict excruciating pain through mental illusions. Their physical strength and speed are also far superior to ordinary vampires.
FAQ 4: Why is Bella immune to some vampire powers?
Bella’s immunity to certain vampire powers, like Edward’s mind-reading and Jane’s pain infliction, stems from her innate ability to mentally shield herself. This is a talent that becomes fully realized when she is transformed into a vampire in later installments. It is a unique and highly valued trait.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of Alice’s visions?
Alice’s precognitive visions are crucial to the storyline. They allow her to see possible futures, giving her and the Cullens a strategic advantage. However, her visions are not always fixed; they change based on the decisions and actions of those involved. Her vision of Bella becoming a vampire is what initially convinces Aro to spare Bella’s life.
FAQ 6: Why does Aro want Bella to become a vampire?
Aro is fascinated by unique abilities and talents. He sees Bella’s immunity as a valuable asset to the Volturi. By having her transformed, he believes he can potentially add her to their ranks and harness her special ability for their own purposes. He is also motivated by the desire to maintain control and prevent any perceived threats to the vampire world’s secrecy.
FAQ 7: What are the consequences of breaking vampire law?
Breaking vampire law, particularly revealing their existence to humans, is punishable by death, usually carried out by the Volturi. They act as the enforcers of these ancient laws, maintaining order and secrecy within the vampire world. Their intervention is a serious threat, making Edward’s actions extremely reckless.
FAQ 8: How does Jacob Black and the werewolf pack play into the ending?
While Jacob is present throughout New Moon as Bella’s friend and confidante, his role is less prominent in the final confrontation in Volterra. The werewolf pack’s primary purpose in the film is to offer Bella protection and companionship during Edward’s absence, highlighting the contrast between the supernatural worlds of vampires and werewolves. The tension between the Cullens and the Quileute werewolves is a constant undercurrent.
FAQ 9: Why is Edward initially against marrying Bella before she becomes a vampire?
Edward holds traditional values and believes that marriage is a lifelong commitment, not one to be entered into lightly. He is hesitant to marry Bella while she is still human, as he fears the dangers and limitations that come with her mortality. He wants to give her every possible option, even if it means delaying their union.
FAQ 10: What is the meaning of the final scene’s embrace?
The final embrace between Bella and Edward represents the rekindling of their love and the promise of a future together, despite the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead. It signifies their unwavering commitment to each other and their willingness to face whatever comes their way, even if it means defying vampire law and potentially provoking the Volturi.
FAQ 11: How does the ending of New Moon set up the next movie, Eclipse?
The ending of New Moon establishes several key plot points for Eclipse. Bella’s desire to become a vampire, Edward’s agreement to consider marriage, and the ongoing threat from the Volturi all serve as catalysts for the events of the next film. Furthermore, the escalating tension between the Cullens and the werewolf pack, fueled by Bella’s relationships with both Edward and Jacob, creates a volatile and complex situation.
FAQ 12: Is there an alternate ending to New Moon in the book that wasn’t included in the movie?
While the movie adheres closely to the main plot points of the book New Moon, certain details and internal monologues are inevitably omitted for the sake of pacing and visual storytelling. The overall ending, however, remains consistent between the book and the movie, focusing on the reconciliation of Edward and Bella and the promise of their future together, albeit with the impending decision regarding Bella’s transformation.