Devils Don't Dream! Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

Devils Don't Dream! Ending Explained: Before his journey into exile Jacobo Arbenz, the overthrown President of Guatemala, is presented to photographers stripped down to his underwear: an image seen around the world. Directed by Andreas Hoessli, this 1997 documentary film stars Jacobo Árbenz (Self (archive footage)), alongside Winston Churchill as Self (archive footage), Richard Nixon as Self (archive footage), E. Howard Hunt as Self (the CIA agent). With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.

What Happens at the End of Devils Don't Dream!?

Before his journey into exile Jacobo Arbenz, the overthrown President of Guatemala, is presented to photographers stripped down to his underwear: an image seen around the world. Arbenz had led the successful 1944 revolt against the military dictatorship, a regime that had oppressed Guatemala since colonialism. Arbenz, the son of Swiss immigrants, was celebrated as a national hero. Elected President in 1950, Arbenz was not a member of any party - he didn't issue any manifestos. But he began to fulfill his promises - farmers got their own land. 'The first act of justice since colonial times,' said Arbenz. In the early 1950s, with the Cold War intensifying, then Vice President Richard Nixon said, 'Arbenz is not a Guatemalan President.' Nixon called him 'a foreigner, manipulated by foreign powers.' The young President of Guatemala was soon overthrown, declared a traitor, and chased out of the country.

Andreas Hoessli's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jacobo Árbenz (Self (archive footage))'s journey. Arbenz had led the successful 1944 revolt against the military dictatorship, a regime that had oppressed Guatemala since colonialism.

How Does Jacobo Árbenz (Self (archive footage))'s Story End?

Jacobo Árbenz: Jacobo Árbenz's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Andreas Hoessli delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 30m runtime.
Winston Churchill (Self (archive footage)): Winston Churchill's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Richard Nixon (Self (archive footage)): Richard Nixon's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Devils Don't Dream! Mean?

Devils Don't Dream! concludes with Andreas Hoessli reinforcing the documentary themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Jacobo Árbenz leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.