The Forgotten Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Forgotten.
The Forgotten Ending Explained: Nina, 30, a Ukrainian language teacher who can't leave the city of Luhansk, occupied by separatists in Eastern Ukraine, is forced to undergo retraining courses for teaching Russian. Directed by Daria Onyshchenko, this 2019 drama film stars Maryna Koshkina (Nina), alongside Danyil Kamenskyi as Andrii, Oleksiy Horbunov as Vasyl, Vasyl Kukharskyi as Yura. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Forgotten?
Nina, 30, a Ukrainian language teacher who can't leave the city of Luhansk, occupied by separatists in Eastern Ukraine, is forced to undergo retraining courses for teaching Russian. Andrii, 17, is a student who was orphaned in the aftermath of the war. They cross paths when Nina witnesses Andrii being arrested by the police after hanging the Ukrainian flag from the roof of his school. Nina knows that because they live in a world of injustice and lies Andrii can stay in jail for a long time, and she risks her life to free him. As they gravitate towards each other, they try to remind people in the occupied territories that they deserve a future, too.
Daria Onyshchenko's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Maryna Koshkina (Nina)'s journey. Andrii, 17, is a student who was orphaned in the aftermath of the war.
How Does Maryna Koshkina (Nina)'s Story End?
- Maryna Koshkina: Maryna Koshkina's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Danyil Kamenskyi (Andrii): Danyil Kamenskyi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Oleksiy Horbunov (Vasyl): Oleksiy Horbunov's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Forgotten Mean?
The Forgotten's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Maryna Koshkina may feel rushed. Daria Onyshchenko's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.