Captive

In the ending of Captive State, it is revealed that William Mulligan, the police officer seemingly working against the rebel group, is actually a deep undercover rebel himself. His true goal is to infiltrate the alien’s central base in Chicago, hidden in a massive hole in the city, to gather intelligence and potentially sabotage their plans. After helping uncover a leak of the alien’s plans — which leads to his promotion — William embarks on a dangerous mission into the alien stronghold. As he ventures into the base, a bright light engulfs the screen, symbolizing either his destruction or transformation, leaving his fate ambiguous but implying that he most likely sacrificed himself to uncover the aliens’ secrets.

Meanwhile, Gabriel, who was manipulated into aiding William under duress—after William tortured Rafe, Gabriel’s presumed-dead brother—receives a mysterious data card from William. When Gabriel views the footage on the card, he is stunned to find a recording of his own baby shower, featuring his parents and other rebels before the invasion. This discovery hints at deeper connections and possibly a larger, ongoing resistance brewing beneath the surface, even as Gabriel is left alone and uncertain about what all of this means.

The film ends on a note of ambiguity. Gabriel appears isolated and unsure about the future, and the larger rebellion remains somewhat mysterious. The story hints that some kind of upheaval or uprising might be starting, but because of the film’s limited character development and unclear motives, it leaves many questions unanswered. William’s actions, especially his betrayal of friends and the mysterious nature of Jane—who was murdered but played a crucial role in revealing the alien plans—add to the confusion, making the resolution feel messy and open-ended. Overall, the ending suggests that despite the chaos and sacrifice, much of the story’s impact is left unresolved, emphasizing a sense of uncertainty about the true nature of resistance and the fate of humanity.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58