Tar (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

The ending of Tár is deliberately layered with ambiguity, leaving viewers to interpret what has truly happened. Throughout the film, Lydia Tár's life spirals downward due to scandal, accusations, and her own destructive actions, culminating in her losing her prestigious career and facing social shame. By the final scenes, she is conducting a bizarre final performance, playing a piece from the video game Monster Hunter in front of cosplaying fans in Southeast Asia—an act that feels both humbling and unsettling. This scene symbolizes how far she has fallen from her former grandeur, highlighting her obsession with her craft despite her personal ruin. However, many interpret this as a hallucination—possibly Lydia's mental breakdown manifesting through surreal, disjointed imagery. The film's change in cinematography and editing during her descent supports this idea, suggesting her perception of reality is deteriorating due to her depression and guilt, particularly over her past abuses and Krista Taylor’s death. Some scenes, like her assault on her replacement conductor or her visit to a brothel, seem too bizarre to be literal, reinforcing the idea that her mind might be unraveling. The final shot, where Lydia is conducting the Monster Hunter score, is notably different in tone and style, which fuels interpretations that her entire journey might be a internal hallucination—a reflection of her guilt, regret, and psychological torment. Alternatively, this scene could be seen as symbolic of her resilience or a brand of dark humor—a sign that she might still seek to reassert her influence, despite everything. Ultimately, the film leaves open whether Lydia’s downfall is real or a mental escape, challenging viewers to decide if she is a victim of her own destructive patterns or a villain who has embraced her monstrous side. This ambiguity is part of what elevates Tár and encourages ongoing debate about its true meaning.