La Chimera

In the end, Arthur’s fate is sealed when a large chunk of concrete collapses on him during a dig, trapping him underneath. It seems clear that he doesn’t survive this accident, especially since the people with him call his name and then stop, indicating they realize he’s beyond saving. Throughout the film, Arthur’s obsession with uncovering treasure is intertwined with his need to hold onto the past, especially the memory of his lost love, Beniamina. The recurring red thread that appears throughout the movie symbolizes this connection—tied to Beniamina’s flowing dress and associated with memories that he cannot let go of. When Arthur finds himself trapped under the concrete, he lights a torch and follows this thread, a metaphor for his attempt to reconnect with her or perhaps to accept how bound he is to his grief. The final scenes drift into magical realism, suggesting that Arthur’s death is not necessarily the end but a release from his suffering. In that space beyond physical life, he reunites with Beniamina, which is why we see him smiling in what is likely his last moments. The film leaves the question open—whether there is life after death or not—but for Arthur, death appears to be a moment of peace, a final escape from the pain that has haunted him since loss. Ultimately, the movie portrays his death as a tragic but possibly divine release, allowing him to finally be with the woman he loved.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44