Films Deserving Better Endings: Creed III 

Films Deserving Better Endings: Creed III

Nothing can make or break a story quite like the conclusion! Some films leave audiences satisfied and inspired, while others appear to fall short, leaving unsolved issues or unresolved tensions. Creed III, directed and starring Michael B. Jordan, is one such picture that presents a great plot with compelling performances but falters a little toward the end. The ending is satisfactory, but with some tweaks, it could have been much more devastating. Let's take a look at what worked, what didn't, and how a few modifications could have improved the film's ending.

Analyzing the Ending of Creed III

Creed III is Adonis Creed's comeback to the ring following a period of personal development and retirement. In this third installment, Creed faces his greatest personal struggle yet: a rivalry with Damian "Dame" Anderson, a childhood buddy who has returned from a lengthy jail sentence filled with animosity and unfinished business. Dame's release triggers a confrontation driven by years of resentment and a sense of betrayal, as he believes Adonis had the life he was destined to have.

The drama reaches a climax when Adonis and Dame square off in the ring, bringing their complex connection and shared past to the forefront. Their fight is intense and emotional, with both men seeking not only victory but also personal closure. Finally, Adonis triumphs and the two men reconcile. Dame appears to accept his fate, and the film concludes with a sense of mutual respect, with both men respecting each other's struggles and decisions.

While this ending brings some emotional closure, it also leaves a few loose ends. Audiences are left wondering whether Dame truly let go of his grudge or if his rage will simmer. Furthermore, Adonis's own journey appears to be incomplete, since he has not fully addressed the underlying causes of his shame or how his past has influenced his decisions. While their reconciliation scene is heartfelt, it feels rushed, and the consequences for both characters' futures remain unclear.

How the Ending Could Be Improved

One approach to improve the ending of Creed III would be to investigate a more in-depth chat between Adonis and Dame following the battle. Instead of a brief exchange of respect, the film might go deeper into their common anguish and the decisions they took. For example, a flashback may depict a young Adonis suffering from the guilt of abandoning Dame, adding weight to his current remorse and explaining why he has suffered with his history. This would allow Adonis to completely accept Dame's pain and convey genuine contrition, rather than simply exchanging a few words of empathy.

Another improvement could be a scenario in which Dame begins to recover from his previous rage. Showing him in a position where he may begin to rebuild his life, such as a mentor or coach, would indicate that he has discovered a positive method to channel his energies. This would allow him to restore his dignity, demonstrating that he is more than just a tragic figure and can develop beyond his circumstances. It would provide a more positive arc for both characters, demonstrating that they have both found a way ahead.

Furthermore, an epilogue scene showcasing Adonis and his family might highlight his maturation as a father and husband. The film's final act focuses heavily on Adonis' family, namely his relationship with his daughter, Amara. However, the ending misses an opportunity to highlight how he's grown as a family man apart from his identity as a fighter. A quiet, reflective moment between Adonis and his daughter, or a scene in which he is completely present with his family, would demonstrate that he has found peace outside of the ring.

Conclusion

While Creed III brings Adonis' journey to a suitable conclusion in the ring, it falls short of providing a more detailed, emotionally gratifying climax. The finale might have gained more closure and depth by expanding the reunion moment between Adonis and Dame, examining Dame's future outside of the ring, and highlighting Adonis' personal progress.

The existing ending isn't necessarily unsatisfactory, but with a few judicious tweaks, it may have given audiences a better sense of healing, progress, and atonement. By resolving the persisting concerns in both Adonis and Dame's lives, the film would create a lasting impression, honoring the characters' intricate journeys and providing audiences with a sense of a true conclusion.