Quentin Tarantino‘s 2015 Western thriller drama film, “The Hateful Eight,” captivated audiences with its stellar cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Walton Goggins. Set in the aftermath of the American Civil War, the movie explores themes of race, politics, and revenge.
It follows the gripping story of eight strangers who seek refuge from a blizzard in “Minnie’s Haberdashery.” Among them are Major Marquis Warren, John Ruth, Daisy Domergue, and Chris Mannix, all bound for Red Rock. As tensions rise within the confined cabin, survival becomes the ultimate challenge. Now, let’s delve into the captivating ending of ‘The Hateful Eight.’ (Note: Spoilers ahead!)
The Hateful Eight Plot Synopsis
The film’s intricate plot structure is noteworthy. Tarantino expertly weaves together multiple storylines and reveals crucial details at strategic moments, keeping viewers guessing until the climactic finale. The twists and turns in the narrative contribute to the film’s suspense and make for a thrilling viewing experience.
Major Marquis Warren, an African-American Union veteran turned bounty hunter, hitchhikes with John “The Hangman” Ruth, who aims to deliver his captive, Daisy Domergue, to her execution. Along the way, they encounter Chris Mannix, claiming to be the new Sheriff of Red Rock. As the blizzard intensifies, the group seeks shelter at Minnie’s Haberdashery. They are surprised to find Bob in charge, as Minnie and her husband are absent.
Inside the cabin, tension builds as Warren and Ruth meet three other strangers. Oswaldo Mobray, the hangman of Red Rock, Joe Gage, a suspicious cowboy, and Sanford Smithers, a Confederate General, create an atmosphere fraught with suspicion. Warren reveals himself as the possessor of a letter from President Lincoln, drawing attention to his credibility. Meanwhile, Ruth’s suspicions about an ulterior motive concerning Domergue’s capture grow.
As the group divides the cabin, Warren confiscates their weapons, except for his own. Over dinner, doubts surface about Warren’s letter, leading to a revelation that he fabricated its existence. This disclosure causes friction among the group. In a chilling conversation with Smithers, Warren confesses to killing his son as an act of revenge for past atrocities.
The Hateful Eight Ending
Following Ruth’s demise from drinking poisoned coffee, Warren suspects foul play. He holds the remaining individuals at gunpoint, except for Mannix, who nearly shared the same cup. With Mannix’s assistance, they aim to uncover the true perpetrator. Bob becomes their first suspect, and Warren exposes his lies, leading to Bob’s demise.
However, the true mastermind behind the poisoned coffee remains elusive. Ruth’s suspicions about Domergue’s accomplices prove accurate when Jody, Daisy’s brother, and his gang arrive. A bloody shootout ensues, leaving Warren and Mannix severely injured. While Jody is killed, Daisy and the surviving gang members plot to manipulate Mannix into aiding them.
In a tense confrontation, Daisy’s attempts to strike a deal with Mannix are met with skepticism. Mannix, still reeling from the near-fatal poisoning, refuses her offer. As Daisy tries to seize a weapon, Mannix, reawakened, shoots her. The wounded Warren and Mannix decide to honor Ruth’s memory by hanging Daisy together.
What happened to Warren and Mannix?
In the aftermath of the deadly encounter, Warren and Mannix find themselves gravely wounded. Warren’s castration-like injury and Mannix’s bullet wound in the leg make survival unlikely. Even if they were to survive, without food and water, their fate seems sealed. Their decision to execute Daisy represents their acceptance of their imminent demise. In their final moments, they share a poignant exchange, reading a counterfeit Lincoln Letter aloud, as they join the deceased Ruth in the cabin’s rafters.
Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” stands out not only for its gripping plot but also for its meticulous attention to detail and captivating cinematography. The film is shot primarily in the confined space of Minnie’s Haberdashery, intensifying the sense of tension and claustrophobia. Tarantino masterfully uses the setting to create an atmosphere where trust is scarce, and suspicions run high.
The dialogue in “The Hateful Eight” is another standout element, showcasing Tarantino’s signature style. The exchanges between the characters are sharp, witty, and filled with subtext. Each line of dialogue reveals a layer of the characters’ motivations, past traumas, and hidden agendas. The script is a testament to Tarantino’s ability to craft compelling conversations that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” concludes with a tense and dramatic finale, where betrayal, vengeance, and survival converge in a claustrophobic setting. The unmasking of the culprits, the violent shootout, and the ultimate sacrifice of Warren and Mannix offer a fitting conclusion to a film filled with morally ambiguous characters. Through its meticulous storytelling and stellar performances, “The Hateful Eight” leaves a lasting impression, solidifying its place as a Tarantino masterpiece.
