The Living End

Jon, a withdrawn young film critic, struggles with depression after being diagnosed with HIV. This event establishes his emotional state and sets the tone for his journey. The diagnosis marks a pivotal moment in his life, prompting reflection and a sense of vulnerability.

Reckless drifter Luke is picked up by a pair of lesbians, Fern and Daisy. When they stop for a bathroom break, Luke steals their car amidst a tense confrontation. He resumes hitchhiking after a flat tire leaves him stranded.

That night, Luke is picked up by Ken, who takes him to his home. They engage in sexual activity, which introduces Luke’s complex relationships and behavior. Things take a dark turn when Ken's wife Barbie catches them and kills Ken in a fit of rage.

Following Barbie's murder of Ken, Luke escapes the scene, becoming a fugitive. His flight signifies a turning point as he tries to evade authorities and confront his chaotic life, emphasizing his reckless behavior.

Luke is assaulted by three gay bashers with baseball bats. Using the stolen gun, he defends himself by shooting them, highlighting his violent and desperate response to threats. His survival marks a violent confrontation with his environment.

Jon, a reluctant stranger, picks up Luke and invites him to stay the night. They learn they share the same HIV status, which deepens their connection. Their emotional vulnerability leads to a sexual relationship.

After their night together, Jon and Luke go shopping with a stolen credit card. They face homophobic slurs from a neo-Nazi, prompting Luke to violently attack and kill him. This incident underscores the violence and hatred surrounding them.

Nervous about Luke's violent temper, Jon ejects him from his house. Despite this, Jon confides in his friend Darcy about his persistent thoughts of Luke, revealing his internal conflict and attachment.

Luke, disturbed and suicidal, threatens to shoot himself. He urges Jon to leave with him, and they embark on a road trip to Northern California in search of Luke's friend. Their journey becomes an exploration of desperation and connection.

In San Francisco, Luke’s friend rejects him without explanation, forcing Luke and Jon to keep searching for refuge. This rejection leaves Luke feeling isolated and intensifies their unstable situation.

The duo continues traveling, paying for motels with stolen credit cards. During the trip, Luke nearly shoots a police officer after receiving a parking ticket, revealing his impulsive and volatile nature.

Tensions rise as Jon expresses regret about their relationship, wishing he had never met Luke. In response, Luke proposes that Jon kill him, sharing his desire to die, which highlights the depth of his despair and emotional turmoil.

Luke becomes sick, coughing heavily, and in a tormented state, he robs a bank at gunpoint with Jon. This act of desperation underscores his downward spiral and increasing recklessness.

Jon decides to return to Los Angeles, but Luke, holding a gun, threatens Jon and their relationship reaches a breaking point. Luke then forces Jon into a sexual assault while holding the gun to his own head, symbolizing the destructive nature of their bond.

Luke attempts to shoot himself, but the gun misfires, leaving him alive. He unties Jon, who eventually leaves after punching Luke. Later, Luke leans on Jon, and they share a moment of ambiguous intimacy at sunset, ending the story on a complex note.