The Snowman (2017) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

As the moon descended on the tranquil town of Brighton, a soft layer of snow blanketed the streets, enveloping them in a peaceful hush. In the midst of this picturesque scene, young James stirred awake, his excitement bubbling as he took in the winter wonderland that had emerged. He dedicated hours to crafting a grand snowman, his imagination stoked by the crisp, fresh air.

> As the clock struck midnight, a wave of curiosity washed over James, compelling him to tiptoe downstairs. What he found surpassed his wildest dreams: his snowman had come to life. The two quickly forged a delightful friendship, joyfully exploring the nooks of James' house, turning toys and household items into instruments of fun, and stealthily avoiding his slumbering parents. Their enchanting nighttime escapades reached a thrilling peak when they discovered a sheet-covered motorcycle in the garden, which they eagerly commandeered, racing through the woods.

As the snowman’s coal-black eyes glimmered in the moonlight, he began to feel an unusual warmth that threatened to melt him. To cool off, he retreated to the garage freezer, enjoying the refreshing wave of cold. It was within this icy sanctuary that James revealed a packet of arctic landscapes, which prompted the snowman to dream of far-off places.

In an unexpected twist, they took to the skies, gliding over the South Downs, drifting past the Royal Pavilion, and soaring above the Brighton Palace Pier. Their airborne adventure led them along the breathtaking Norwegian coastline, culminating in a dazzling flight under the mesmerizing aurora borealis. They eventually landed in a serene, snow-laden forest, where they joined a jovial gathering of other snowmen.

Fate smiled on them as they encountered Father Christmas and his merry team of reindeer. The cheerful Santa gifted James a special card and a beautifully crafted scarf adorned with snowman motifs. As dawn broke, the snowman took his leave, and the pair bid each other a heartfelt farewell as their magical night came to an end.

The next morning, however, brought heartbreak for young James. He awoke to find that his beloved snowman had melted entirely, leaving only a hat, scarf, coal eyes, a tangerine nose, and coal buttons in a puddle of tears. Kneeling beside the remnants, James cradled the scarf as sorrow washed over him, mourning the loss of his enchanting wintry companion.

Meanwhile, acclaimed author Raymond Briggs strolled through the rolling hills of Sussex, sharing the captivating origins of his timeless tale. The film's narrative transported viewers straight from Briggs' rustic landscape into the vibrant, animated universe that has enchanted audiences for years.

Behind the scenes, efforts were underway to broaden the film's reach, spearheaded by executive producer Iain Harvey, who sought the interest of U.S. networks and VHS distributors. The catch? They required a big name to clinch the deal. Various esteemed actors, including Laurence Olivier and Julie Andrews, were considered as narrators, but it was the incomparable David Bowie whose unique artistry ultimately won out. Having previously collaborated with Briggs on an animated adaptation of When the Wind Blows, Bowie's voice brought a fresh and dynamic layer to the film.

A pivotal moment unfolded as Bowie explored the attic of his childhood home, where he discovered a scarf strikingly similar to the one that James received in the poignant finale. As he began narrating the opening credits, he infused Briggs’ monologue with his signature flair, adding whimsy and charm to the scene.

In honor of the film’s 20th anniversary, Channel 4 commissioned a new opening scene, now directed by Roger Mainwood. In this updated version, Briggs himself took on the role of Father Christmas, sharing the story of his first encounter with James. Cozying up for the evening, Father Christmas switched on his television, inviting viewers to join him in experiencing the film once more. Comedian Mel Smith reprised his role as James in this revised introduction, which showcased a sleek 16:9 widescreen format.

This alternative opening enjoyed a successful run until Mel Smith’s passing in 2013, at which point Channel 4 reverted back to the original David Bowie-narrated version. This change returned the film to its original 4:3 aspect ratio, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves once again in the enchanting world that Briggs so masterfully crafted.

The Snowman's ending reveals that the killer is actually Mathias, a renowned surgeon who uses his professional reputation to hide his dark activities. Throughout the film, Harry and Katrine suspect many people, including Arve Støp and Vetelsen, but it is ultimately Mathias who is behind the murders. The story shows that Mathias's motives stem from childhood trauma and resentment; he is the young boy from the opening scene, witnessing his mother die after her car crashes through the ice. Mathias believes his mother didn't love him, thinking she chose to die rather than face him, but Harry ultimately reveals to him that his father was the one who abandoned him, not his mother. This revelation fuels Mathias’s anger, which he channels into murdering women in situations where they are vulnerable, often related to themes of motherhood and reproductive rights.

What makes the ending particularly poignant is the connection between Mathias and Harry. Mathias, who has been dating Rakel—Harry's ex—remains a prominent figure in her life, especially as a father figure to her son, Oleg. Harry is shocked to realize that Mathias is the killer, knowing him as someone close to Rakel and her family. In the final scenes, Katrine attempts to gather evidence by confronting Støp, but she is captured and murdered by Mathias. Her body is found with a snowman drawn on her car roof, and a severed finger is left nailed to Mathias's door—an ominous clue pointing to her fate.