This Closeness

In the closing moments of This Closeness, the film leaves us with an ambiguous choice that reflects the themes of loneliness and unsatisfactory relationships. Tessa is eager to leave the apartment, clearly disillusioned by her weekend and the people within it. However, she hesitates before getting into the car with Ben, a sign that her feelings are conflicted and that she isn’t ready to fully abandon her relationship, even if she recognizes its flaws. This hesitation suggests an uncertain future: she might stay with Ben out of habit or fear of change, but the emotional distance between them has become undeniable.

Throughout the film, Tessa’s interactions with Adam serve as a catalyst for her realization of her own needs—not necessarily romantic, but a sign that she seeks genuine connection and respect. Adam’s strange, awkward kindness stands in stark contrast to Ben’s dismissiveness and insensitivity. The final scene, with Tessa standing on the stairs and contemplating her next move, embodies this tension. By choosing to momentarily hesitate before leaving, she is hinting at the possibility that she might finally break free from a relationship rooted in imbalance and dissatisfaction. Yet, the film stops short of providing a clear answer—leaving it up to the viewer to interpret whether she will take the leap toward independence or remain stuck in the familiarity of her current life.

In the end, This Closeness underscores how loneliness often manifests even within relationships, and how the search for authentic connection can be elusive. Tessa’s hesitation symbolizes her internal conflict: a desire for change but also a fear of the unknown. The film’s open ending invites us to reflect on her future, emphasizing that sometimes, the path forward is uncertain, and liberation comes not from immediate action, but from the silent promise of change.

In the closing moments of This Closeness, the film leaves us with an ambiguous choice that reflects the themes of loneliness and unsatisfactory relationships. Tessa is eager to leave the apartment, clearly disillusioned by her weekend and the people within it. However, she hesitates before getting into the car with Ben, a sign that her feelings are conflicted and that she isn’t ready to fully abandon her relationship, even if she recognizes its flaws. This hesitation suggests an uncertain future: she might stay with Ben out of habit or fear of change, but the emotional distance between them has become undeniable.

Throughout the film, Tessa’s interactions with Adam serve as a catalyst for her realization of her own needs—not necessarily romantic, but a sign that she seeks genuine connection and respect. Adam’s strange, awkward kindness stands in stark contrast to Ben’s dismissiveness and insensitivity. The final scene, with Tessa standing on the stairs and contemplating her next move, embodies this tension. By choosing to momentarily hesitate before leaving, she is hinting at the possibility that she might finally break free from a relationship rooted in imbalance and dissatisfaction. Yet, the film stops short of providing a clear answer—leaving it up to the viewer to interpret whether she will take the leap toward independence or remain stuck in the familiarity of her current life.

In the end, This Closeness underscores how loneliness often manifests even within relationships, and how the search for authentic connection can be elusive. Tessa’s hesitation symbolizes her internal conflict: a desire for change but also a fear of the unknown. The film’s open ending invites us to reflect on her future, emphasizing that sometimes, the path forward is uncertain, and liberation comes not from immediate action, but from the silent promise of change.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:02