Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood

At the end of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, we see a surprising twist on the real-life tragic events of 1969. Instead of the Manson Family brutally murdering Sharon Tate and her friends, Tarantino’s film reimagines the night as a violent confrontation that goes awry for the cult members. When they arrive at Rick Dalton’s house by mistake—intending to target Tate—the situation turns chaotic. Rick, who is drunk and angry at hippies bothering his neighborhood, rudely confronts them and drives them away, not realizing they are murderous. Later, when the Manson Family invades Dalton’s home, Cliff Booth, high on acid, fights back fiercely. He kills Tex and Patricia, and in a desperate act to protect his friend, Cliff uses a flamethrower to eliminate Susan—who screams and splashes into the pool, where Rick, unaware of the carnage, is relaxing in his headphones. The film’s ending diverges sharply from history, as the cult members’ attempt to kill Dalton ends in their own slaughter, and Sharon Tate remains unharmed, living to see her Hollywood dreams continue.

Throughout the movie, Tarantino uses this alternate timeline to celebrate old Hollywood while showing how small acts of resistance—like Rick’s fiery defense—can change history. By making Rick’s confrontation with the Manson Family a missed target, Tarantino not only rewrites a tragic chapter but also provides Sharon Tate with a happy ending she never received in real life. The story emphasizes that even in a changing world, loyalty, friendship, and a bit of old-fashioned Hollywood grit can make a difference—saving lives and offering hope where there once was despair. Ultimately, this ending leaves viewers with a sense of redemption, blending fantasy with the legacy of Hollywood’s golden age.}

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58