Athena

The ending of “Athena” is a bleak reflection of a world spiral into chaos and hopelessness. After a fierce and destructive uprising prompted by the death of Idir, a young boy killed in police brutality, Abdel, Karim, and Moktar find themselves embroiled in escalating violence. Abdel, who initially seeks justice through the system, quickly loses faith as events spiral out of control. He tries to negotiate peace, but the situation devolves into chaos, with Karim and the others demanding answers and revenge. The tragic death of Karim—shot by police during a confrontation—marks a turning point, as Abdel’s grief turns into rage, culminating in him punching Moktar to death and deciding to escalate the violence himself.

Eventually, Abdel’s hope for justice is shattered when the police admit they are not responsible for Karim’s death, revealing that far-right extremists disguised as police are the true culprits. Overcome with despair, Abdel abandons his fight, and in a final act of destruction, he plans to blow up the estate with gas cylinders. The chaos he unleashes results in the building crumbling and burning, symbolizing the complete collapse of hope and order. As the dust settles, the film reveals that the cycle of hatred and violence continues, with Sebastien’s role symbolizing how hate can be exploited for destructive ends.

Ultimately, “Athena” reflects a world where violence begets more violence, and justice becomes unattainable amid systemic failures and deep-rooted bigotry. The film’s ending leaves viewers with an unsettling sense that, in the end, the cycle of rage and loss will persist, leaving only ashes and memories of a tragedy that seems to have no resolution. The story captures how societal divisions and hatred have transformed communities into battlegrounds, with hope appearing as a fleeting, almost impossible, dream. Its conclusion emphasizes the devastating aftermath of unrest—where despair soaks through the ruins, and the idea of redemption feels forever out of reach.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58