The Cannibals Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Cannibals.
The Cannibals Ending Explained: This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. Directed by Manoel de Oliveira, this 1988 drama film stars Luís Miguel Cintra (Viscount d'Aveleda), alongside Leonor Silveira as Margarida, Diogo Dória as Don João, Oliveira Lopes as The Presenter (lago). Rated 7/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Cannibals?
This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes. Musically, it ranges from 19th-century romanticism to popular, modernist and even "post-modernist" styles. In the initially tame story, a host-narrator tells the story of a wedding between the two lovebirds: Viscount d'Aveleda and the beautiful Marguerite. However, what happens in the bridal chamber is incredibly bizarre. The events after that are even stranger, and the wedding guests and family indulge in cannibalism, among other perversions.
Manoel de Oliveira's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Luís Miguel Cintra (Viscount d'Aveleda)'s journey. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes.
How Does Luís Miguel Cintra (Viscount d'Aveleda)'s Story End?
- Luís Miguel Cintra: Luís Miguel Cintra's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Manoel de Oliveira delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 35m runtime.
- Leonor Silveira (Margarida): Leonor Silveira's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Diogo Dória (Don João): Diogo Dória's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Cannibals Mean?
The ending of The Cannibals ties together the narrative threads involving Luís Miguel Cintra. Manoel de Oliveira chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.