The Recall

Year: 2017

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Mauro Borrelli

Sci-FiThrillerHorror

During a peaceful lakeside vacation, a couple’s retreat is shattered when extraterrestrial forces abduct several people. Determined to rescue the missing, they team up with a skilled tracker and venture into a dangerous search. They must confront the alien invaders and uncover the reasons behind this terrifying abduction.

Warning: spoilers below!

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The Recall (2017) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how The Recall (2017) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

The ending of Recalled reveals that what appeared to be Soo Jin’s hallucinations were actually her memories of the past coming back to her. Throughout the film, we are led to believe that Soo Jin is experiencing delusions or visions of the future due to her head injury, but in reality, she is recalling traumatic events from her life. Her mental revelations include glimpses of her childhood, the abusive father she thought she had escaped, and her brother who secretly protected her. These memories explain her complex past—a life marred by abuse and violence, which she had suppressed.

Her brother, Kim Sun Woo, was not only her protector but also the one who killed their abusive father to free her from that nightmare. This act of sacrifice was revealed in her memories, showing that he was the real hero who took the blame to save her. When her abusive husband, Ji-hoon, got into financial trouble and threatened her, she fought back physically. In the chaos that ensued, her brother appeared once again, this time to help her escape from danger and to finish off her husband, who later survived the initial attack. In the climactic moments, her husband attempts to kill her again, but her brother sacrifices himself to ensure she can start a new life.

In the final scenes, Soo Jin is shown to have been saved and given an opportunity to begin again in Canada, as her brother had arranged. The complicated memories and violent past, which she had repressed, are finally brought to light, clarifying that her hallucinations were actually memories that she needed to confront and accept. The title change to Memories of Tomorrow emphasizes the theme of facing one’s past to shape a new future. Ultimately, the film underscores the importance of confronting traumatic memories and the selfless acts of those who sacrifice to protect loved ones, allowing Soo Jin to move forward with hope and a clean slate.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

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Close-Quarter Alien Horror Movies like The Recall

Trapped and hunted by ruthless aliens in a confined, terrifying space.Looking for more movies like The Recall? This section features intense alien invasion thrillers where characters are trapped in isolated locations, fighting for survival against an immediate and terrifying extraterrestrial threat. These films share a focus on suspense, survival horror, and a palpable sense of claustrophobic dread.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with an ordinary situation that is violently shattered by a sudden alien encounter. The story structure is lean and focused, following a small group of survivors as they are hunted, forced into hiding, and must use their wits and courage to endure against a relentless enemy, often uncovering horrifying details about the invaders' motives along the way.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared emphasis on personal-scale alien horror. They create a cohesive experience through high intensity, a tense and fearful tone, and a narrative that traps characters in a confined 'hunting ground', making the threats feel immediate and inescapable.

Movies with Bleak Survival Endings like The Recall

Stories where survival comes at a terrible, life-altering cost.If you liked the mixed, heavy ending of The Recall, explore these movies where characters survive horrific events but are forever scarred. These stories feature pyrrhic victories, dealing with the heavy emotional and psychological aftermath of trauma, leaving a lasting, somber impact.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows characters through a harrowing journey of survival against extreme odds. The climax often involves a confrontation where they overcome the immediate threat, but the resolution reveals the permanent damage inflicted. The ending focuses on the aftermath, showing characters grappling with trauma, loss of innocence, or being irrevocably changed, leaving their future uncertain and bleak.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared exploration of the cost of survival. They deliver a powerful, emotionally heavy experience through a mixed or bleak ending feel, prioritizing the lasting impact of trauma over a clean, happy resolution, creating a more thought-provoking and somber conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of The Recall

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Recall in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Recall is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Recall Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Recall, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Recall Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Recall with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Recall

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Recall. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

The Recall Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About The Recall

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Recall: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like The Recall that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.