22 July

In the final moments of 22 July, the film draws a powerful contrast between the fates of the perpetrator, Breivik, and the survivors. After the attack, Breivik is shown being taken to his solitary prison cell, which looks more like a small, everyday room than a traditional prison cell, reflecting Norway’s rehabilitative approach. The film emphasizes that Breivik’s story—marked by hatred and violence—has come to a definitive end with his sentencing of 21 years, which is the maximum term under Norwegian law for his crimes, though he could stay imprisoned potentially for the rest of his life if deemed dangerous. Meanwhile, Viljar, one of the survivors, is shown back in his hometown, gazing out at the horizon from his window, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the continuation of life. His emotional speech during the trial—where he states that he chooses to live because he still has love, family, and dreams—resonates as a message of survival and perseverance in the face of tragedy. The film ends on this note of hope, implying that while Breivik’s dark legacy attempts to cast a shadow, the human spirit can endure and move forward. The final imagery underscores that the victims and survivors are still here, striving for a future where love and hope prevail over hatred and destruction. This ending leaves viewers with a poignant reflection on resilience, rebuilding, and the importance of choosing life amidst tragedy.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44