Aloha, directed by Cameron Crowe, culminates in a bittersweet ending that enriches the film’s exploration of love, connection, and identity. Released in 2015, the film follows Brian Gilcrest, a disillusioned military contractor tasked with facilitating a private space launch in Hawaii. Throughout his journey, he collaborates with Emma Stone’s character, Allison Ng—a passionate Air Force member who develops a romantic bond with him. Complicating the narrative, Brian unexpectedly reunites with his ex-partner, Tracy, who is now married with children.
Mixing elements of military drama with romantic comedy, Aloha has received mixed reviews, currently holding a mere 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film sparked controversy due to the casting choice of Emma Stone, a Caucasian actress, as a character of mixed Hawaiian and Chinese heritage. Despite these criticisms, Aloha presents a distinctive, albeit imperfect, contribution to Crowe’s body of work, attempting to reinterpret conventional romantic comedy tropes with a more progressive worldview.
Grace’s Parentage Revelation
The Unveiling of Brian & Tracy’s Daughter
A crucial twist in Aloha is the revelation of Grace’s true parentage, complicating the film’s central love triangle. For a significant portion of the film, Grace is seemingly depicted as the daughter of Tracy and her husband, Woody, who entered her life after Tracy’s split with Brian. However, it is ultimately revealed that Brian is Grace’s biological father, having conceived her with Tracy prior to their breakup. This revelation highlights the irony and nostalgia inherent in Tracy’s dreams of a life with Brian that never materialized.
Remarkably, the film downplays the potential melodrama resulting from this unveiling. While Tracy and Brian’s unresolved romantic tension simmers beneath the surface, the knowledge of their shared daughter does not compel a rekindling of their romance. Instead, both characters remain committed to their respective partners by the film’s conclusion. Even Grace appears content with her new understanding, illustrated by the film’s closing scene where she and Brian share a warm embrace, marking a quietly progressive narrative twist.
Navigating the Love Triangle in Aloha
A Unique Resolution to Aloha’s Romance
The evolving dynamics between Brian, Tracy, and Allison form the heart of Aloha, enhancing its romantic narrative. Brian and Tracy’s past relationship, strained by his disillusionment post-Air Force, led to their separation. Throughout the story, Brian forges a new connection with Allison Ng, characterized by mutual respect and growing attraction.
Main Characters in Aloha |
Cast |
Brian Gilcrest |
Bradley Cooper |
Allison Ng |
Emma Stone |
Tracy Woodside |
Rachel McAdams |
John “Woody”Woodside |
John Krasinski |
Carson Welch |
Bill Murray |
General Dixon |
Alec Baldwin |
Meanwhile, tensions arise between Brian’s lingering affection for Tracy and Woody’s well-meaning but fraught relationship with her. Their marriage, already under strain, faces potential collapse with Brian’s return. However, as the film progresses, Brian and Tracy come to terms with their past, establishing clarity that allows all four individuals to strengthen their commitments—Brian to Allison and Tracy to Woody. This ending offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, as it promotes emotional growth and maturity over traditional romantic resolutions.
Brian’s Sabotage of the Satellite Launch Explained
How Aloha Subverts Expectations Through Action
The romantic developments between Brian and Allison establish a backdrop for one of Aloha’s pivotal plot twists. Initially, as a leading voice behind a civilian-military initiative to deploy a satellite owned by Carson, Brian is in favor of the project. However, as he engages with Allison and absorbs her passionate belief in sharing the sky’s possibilities, his perspective begins to shift.
Once he discovers the satellite’s sinister true purpose, Brian chooses to sabotage the launch using a sonic disruption device. This critical moment showcases Brian’s transformation from a jaded contractor to a principled individual, reaffirming his connection with Allison and humanity. It stands as a remarkable visual highlight of the film, elevating the narrative above mere romantic comedy.
Identifying Aloha’s True Antagonist
Carson: A Deceptive Villain
In a more straightforward narrative, the roles of antagonist would likely fall to Woody or Tracy, complicating Brian’s efforts to reconcile his past romances. However, both characters are portrayed positively, culminating in a reconciliatory moment between Brian and Woody. Aloha instead positions Carson, played by Bill Murray, as the primary villain. Initially depicted as a benevolent billionaire with altruistic intentions, Carson’s satellite hides a nuclear payload, making him a more formidable threat.
This tonal shift introduces significant tension as Allison’s subsequent discovery of the truth—combined with Brian’s complicity—almost derails their romance. But Brian’s decisive action to destroy the satellite exposes Carson’s duplicitous nature, leading to his eventual arrest. Carson symbolizes the cynical, profit-driven framework that Brian ultimately rejects, marking a crucial moral triumph for the protagonist.
Understanding Aloha’s Ending
Triumph of Optimism and Love
Aloha contemplates a multitude of themes, which can occasionally overwhelm its narrative coherence. The film’s heart lies in Brian’s emotional journey, as he seeks to distance himself from the cynical mindset that consumed him post-military service. Through his relationship with Allison, Brian cultivates a renewed passion for science and exploration, reinforcing the significance of hope and love. While he reconciles with the reality that Tracy has moved on, the ending hints at a future relationship with his daughter, embracing the complexities of modern family dynamics.
Supporting characters also experience affirming developments: Woody, Allison, and Tracy refuse to surrender to negativity, culminating in personal fulfillment by the film’s close. Conversely, Carson stands as a cautionary tale, as his ruthless pursuits lead to his downfall. The exposure of his machinations serves as a victory for the local Hawaiian community, solidifying Aloha’s message of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.
Critical and Audience Reception of Aloha’s Ending
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
Upon its release, Aloha garnered significant criticism, reflected in its disappointing 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with the Popcornmeter hovering at a mere 29%. Many viewers criticized the plot’s lack of coherence, with one noting, “What on earth is going on in this movie!? So many great actors and beautiful scenery, yet it feels like a plan that can never take off.”Another audience member expressed frustration, describing it as “a giant pile of confusion with disjointed connections.”
Film critic Matt Singer from Screen Crush voiced discontent, suggesting that Cameron Crowe failed to recapture the magic of his previous works, remarking, “For a movie with seemingly simple aims—a rom-com with tropical flair—it’s shockingly hard to follow.”
Nevertheless, not all viewers were displeased with Aloha, as some fans found joy in the film’s whimsical nature. In a Reddit discussion, user @iamwhoiwasnow described it as “a super fun romantic movie if you let it be,”adding that its charm lies in not taking the narrative too seriously. Another contributor suggested that detractors “don’t want to think allegorically, which the movie requires.”
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