Reverend Death Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Reverend Death.
Reverend Death Ending Explained: Five years ago we began filming what has turned into the most extraordinary documentary. Directed by Jon Ronson, this 2008 documentary film stars Jon Ronson (Himself - Presenter), alongside George Exoo as Himself. With a 9/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Reverend Death?
Five years ago we began filming what has turned into the most extraordinary documentary. The Rev. George Exoo is a not very successful Unitarian minister from Beckley, West Virginia who has drifted into helping terminally ill people commit suicide. However as we film we begin to see a change in George. He's started helping non-terminally ill people commit suicide. And he gets very annoyed if he travels across America to discover they've changed their minds and don't want to commit suicide. And he keeps going on about how he can't wait his own death because it will be a great adventure. And he's got an amoral new assistant called Susan who claims she'll help practically anyone if the price is right. "For George it's a calling," she says. "For me it's a business." George says he has so far helped more than 100 people commit suicide.
Jon Ronson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jon Ronson (Himself - Presenter)'s journey. George Exoo is a not very successful Unitarian minister from Beckley, West Virginia who has drifted into helping terminally ill people commit suicide.
How Does Jon Ronson (Himself - Presenter)'s Story End?
- Jon Ronson: Jon Ronson's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Jon Ronson delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 40m runtime.
- George Exoo (Himself): George Exoo's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
What Does the Ending of Reverend Death Mean?
Reverend Death concludes with Jon Ronson reinforcing the documentary themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Jon Ronson leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.