What Melancholia's wild ending *actually* means

The ending of Lars Von Trier's 2011 film Melancholia is... pretty wild. But what does all of it actually represent? Here's our breakdown of the meaning!

#Melancholia #LarsVonTrier #KirstenDunst #CharlotteGainsbourg #EndingExplained #FilmExplained #Film #Movie #MovieExplained #2010s #TheTake #YouTubeShorts #Shorts

[arontamas]

This movie is the reason I started appreciating Kirsten as an actress, she was BREATHTAKINGLY GREAT capturing the

[inksurroundsme]

I saw this in film school and as someone who has struggled with depression for their entire life, I had never felt so seen.

[vginsprdsobepr]

I’ve suffers with depression my entire life and tend to see things differently than my friends and family. Strangely enough a lack of joy helps me analyze things with clarity.

[volante]

This movie isn't talked about enough

[nikirrae]

I watched this movie during the covid pandemic and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. The take it took on depression was so interesting

[askewopal]

One of my most favorite movies of all time.

[apizzathatgiantforthesimpl]

This movie reminds me a lot of Allie Brosh and her view on her own depression: She becomes so devoid of feeling that it essentially circles back and makes it so she is completely fearless and doesn't care what others think of her.

[meccalovett]

As someone who is clinically depressed and currently recovering, I 100% agree. Being in such a dark place has changed my perspective on unfortunate events. From financial strife to even something as morbid as death. I was given a unique insight into how dreary life can be, learned how to cope with that, and came out stronger in the long run

[ladygrimm]

It’s more than that. The depression for some, is due to a failure to acclimate to society and the happenings of the world. So, when ish hits the fan it sort of innately makes sense and is beautiful in a way that only some people can recognize and feel. Not that one has been “preparing” for a catastrophe; they’ve already been living the catastrophe and this event simply brings peace to their soul.

[GenX]

It’s the shift from nihilism to realism for Justine
Her depression finally is in line with reality

[johannahulten]

Unless your depression stems from an overwhelming fear of death…

[MrBelac]

I’ve had severe depression since I was six and for some reason I have always kinda hoped some catastrophic event would happen, this movie is so exactly how I’ve always felt, fucking amazing

[fridaymichael]

Anxious people are more prepared for disaster. Depressed people sometimes are anxious, but not always. Depressed people are not more prepared in general, in my opinion, though they can handle death since they are sometimes suicidal.

[SkinCareLuver]

This is true because we are tired of suffering and want a good excuse for it to end without us having to commit suicide. I've seen one person call depression sufferers weak and wondered if that person was crazy and wish people like that could wake up for months worth of depression..Let's see how they'll end up handling it ☺️ Most of them won't even last a day in our shoes. .

[SPACEMNKEY]

This movie made me realize I suffered from depression most of my life.

[jleigh]

Seen it shortly after it came out. It kinda haunts me to this day 2025 now. Shes amazing actress and its bittersweet ❤
This video describes the meaning of the movie perfectly.

[AuntieMamies]

Kirsten Dunst was amazing in this movie. Charlotte is always great but Kirsten actually really shocked me. Not because I didn't think she had it in her, she did Interview with the Vampire when she was a little kid ffs. But her ability to convey depression to an audience is exceptional

[NEMA]

That has to be the MOST terrifying way to Say goodbye 😂

[taylorgayhart]

This is very relatable to me but with my anxiety, I feel like I was better equipped to handle the pandemic and the last few years in general, because I’m always stressed out. Now you all are on my level!! Welcome to the party, it sucks!!!!

[KitKatze]

First part is depression, second part is anxiety