Boston (2017) Ending Explained – Final Scene & Meaning

The ending of "Boston Strangler" reveals a chilling truth: although the police claimed to have solved the case by capturing Albert DeSalvo and getting him to confess, the reality was much more complicated. DeSalvo’s confession was orchestrated as part of a scam by fellow inmate George Nassar, who wanted to cash in on the case. Nassar used DeSalvo to falsely confess in exchange for promises of book deals and money, and ultimately, DeSalvo was murdered in prison — likely killed by Nassar or his accomplices to keep the conspiracy secret. This means that the true identity of the Boston Strangler was never conclusively confirmed, and there is a strong belief that more than one person—possibly multiple men—committed the murders. The film emphasizes how the case was corrupted by lies and greed, and how the threat against women persisted beyond the killer’s capture. Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole, the journalists who dedicated themselves to uncovering the truth, go on to have impactful careers, highlighting their resilience and commitment to justice despite personal and professional risks. The film ends with a reminder that the horror of the Boston murders remains unresolved, echoing the enduring danger women faced during that era and still do today. The unresolved nature of the case leaves viewers questioning the possibility that the murders could have been committed by multiple people or that the killer was never truly caught, underscoring the tragic and ongoing issue of violence against women.