A Normal Family

In the haunting ending of A Normal Family, the seemingly tragic climax reveals a dark, irreversible act of violence. After the brothers’ intense dinner confrontation about their moral choices and the fate of their children, Jae-gyu, driven by a mixture of fear and desperation to protect his son Si-ho, impulsively runs over Jae-wan with his car. Although his initial intention isn’t to kill his brother—he is overwhelmed by the situation and his feelings of guilt and responsibility—this reckless act shatters the family’s fragile stability forever. The film leaves us with the chilling image of the aftermath, emphasizing the devastating consequences of unchecked emotion and moral compromise.

The movie’s conclusion is deliberately ambiguous about whether Jae-gyu will accept the gravity of what he has done or surrender himself to the authorities, but his action underscores the theme of how far people are willing to go when faced with moral dilemmas and familial loyalty. Meanwhile, the younger generation’s indifference to the moral weight of their actions—exemplified by Hye-yoon’s dismissiveness and Si-ho’s faked concern—serves as a stark reminder of a society where innocence and goodness are slipping away, replaced by apathy and the pursuit of self-interest. The ending challenges viewers to reflect on the corrosive effects of moral decay within families and society, suggesting that once the line is crossed, there’s often no turning back. Ultimately, it’s a powerful, unsettling conclusion that questions the very notions of justice, righteousness, and what it truly means to be “normal.” This unresolved, brutal ending is what makes the film linger in the mind, prompting us to consider the darker aspects of human nature that simmer beneath the veneer of civility.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03