The Christmas Train Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Christmas Train.
The Christmas Train Ending Explained: Forced to take the intercontinental trip to Los Angeles by train, and determined to chronicle his adventure, disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon finds himself westbound with a variety of characters. Directed by Ron Oliver, this 2017 family film stars Dermot Mulroney (Tom Langdon), alongside Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Eleanor Carter, Danny Glover as Max Powers, Joan Cusack as Agnes. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Christmas Train?
Forced to take the intercontinental trip to Los Angeles by train, and determined to chronicle his adventure, disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon finds himself westbound with a variety of characters. While all passengers on the Christmas train appear to be headed for the same destination, Tom has no idea that the rugged locomotives taking him across America will instead detour straight into his heart.
Ron Oliver's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Dermot Mulroney (Tom Langdon)'s journey. While all passengers on the Christmas train appear to be headed for the same destination, Tom has no idea that the rugged locomotives taking him across America will instead detour straight into his heart.
How Does Dermot Mulroney (Tom Langdon)'s Story End?
- Dermot Mulroney: Dermot Mulroney's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Eleanor Carter): Kimberly Williams-Paisley's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Danny Glover (Max Powers): Danny Glover's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Christmas Train Mean?
The Christmas Train's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Dermot Mulroney may feel rushed. Ron Oliver's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.