Explanation of the Ending of Suzume

Overview

Engaging dialogue paired with stunning visuals enhances the captivating narrative of Suzume’s Locking Up.
The emotional convergence of past and future selves provides both closure and optimism for Suzume.

Daijin, Sadaijin
- Western vs. Eastern Keystone
Souta, Resurrected
- Reclaiming Humanity
Sealing the Worm
- Collaborative Effort
I Am Your Tomorrow
- When Past Meets Future
We Meet Again
- Same Place, Same Time

Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume’s Locking Up follows Suzume’s poignant journey across Japan, tackling themes of grief and the quest for acceptance as she strives to rectify her past mistake and contain a malevolent spirit. This visually stunning film runs over 120 minutes, filled with thrilling action, suspense, and heart-wrenching moments.

Even though the film excels in storytelling through its impressive dialogue and vivid imagery, many viewers may find themselves puzzled by the narrative’s conclusion. To shed light on these final scenes, this article will detail five critical moments from the movie’s third act that clarify the ending of Suzume’s Locking Up. Be advised, spoilers lie ahead!

Daijin and Sadaijin

Western vs. Eastern Keystone

As Suzume embarks on her journey to a location tied to her encounter with the Ever-After, she meets a mysterious black cat named Sadaijin. Like Daijin, Sadaijin serves as a keystone, essential for sealing the worm. While Daijin oversees the door in Kyushu, Sadaijin controls the one in Tokyo. When Suzume teams up with Souta, now transformed into a new keystone, to partially seal the worm, Sadaijin is freed from his prior confinement.

However, unlike the playful Daijin, who often becomes distracted from his duty, Sadaijin yearns for a return to normalcy. Knowing Suzume’s intentions, he decides to join her and her companions on their quest. As they locate the door leading to the Ever-After, Sadaijin reveals his true nature as a massive fox-like creature, aiding them by restraining the worm while Daijin helps Suzume find Souta.

“Return everything as it was, with human hands.”

—Sadaijin

Souta, Resurrected

Reclaiming Humanity

Character Name: Souta Munakata
Voice Actor: Hokuto Matsumura (JP) / Josh Keaton (EN)

Souta’s grandfather insists that once someone is transformed into a keystone, they lose their humanity forever. This means Souta is condemned to serve as a permanent seal against the worm’s chaos. Yet, Suzume refuses to accept this fate. Desperate to reclaim Souta, she searches for him.

Eventually, Suzume discovers Souta trapped on the worm’s tail, still in the form of his frozen chair. Despite her attempts to free him, she struggles. In a moment of anguish, she calls out his name, desperately trying to connect with his immobilized heart. Just when Souta is ready to surrender, her voice breaks through, liberating him from the worm’s grasp.

Sealing the Worm

Collaborative Effort

With Souta’s release, the worm threatens to escape the Ever-After. Recognizing the urgency, and out of a newfound fondness for Suzume, Daijin resolves to reseal the worm. Returning to their keystone forms, both Daijin and Sadaijin prepare for one final effort alongside Suzume and Souta to contain the creature.

As the two keystones elevate them into the sky, Suzume plunges Daijin into the worm from the west, while Souta pierces from the east with Sadaijin. In an instant, the worm vanishes, not destroyed, but securely sealed once more.

I Am Your Tomorrow

When Past Meets Future

As Suzume awakens post-sealing, she catches sight of a little girl a distance away, crying out for her mother. To her astonishment, this girl is a younger version of herself.

Long ago, during a disaster that claimed her mother, young Suzume discovered a door leading to the Ever-After, unknowingly stepping into a realm where time is non-linear. The young incarnation of Suzume represents a pivotal moment of convergence, exposing the interconnectedness of time and existence within the Ever-After.

“You see, Suzume…No matter how sad you are now, you’re going to grow up. So, don’t worry. The future’s not that scary. You’ll meet a lot of people you care for, and lots of people who’ll care for you, too. The night might seem endless right now, but one day, morning will come. You’ll bask in that light. I’m sure of it. It’s written in the stars.”

—Suzume speaking to her younger self.

This revelation ties together her journey. The mysterious woman from her dreams is revealed to be her older self. With newfound understanding, Suzume interacts with her younger self, offering comfort and confidence about the future, passing along the beloved three-legged chair. Once she safely guides her younger self back to her original timeframe, Suzume and Souta prepare to depart through their own door.

We Meet Again

Same Place, Same Time

Character Name: Suzume Iwato
Voice Actor: Nanoka Hara (JP) / Nichole Sakura (EN)

After concluding their battle with the disaster worm, Suzume and Souta part ways. Seasons change, and as time passes, they encounter one another again near winter, at the same location of their first meeting, sharing a warm smile.

This final scene beautifully encapsulates the film’s core themes of connection and healing. It offers a satisfying conclusion to the story, illustrating growth and the significance of meaningful relationships. Thus, we draw the curtain on Suzume’s Locking Up.

For those wishing to experience Suzume’s journey, Suzume’s Locking Up is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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