What Happens at the End of If I May - Chapter II?

Over the course of a day, Fausto, invincible in his inertia, watches a paradoxical procession of visitors pass by: the mellifluous parish priest of the town; a mysterious man with his absurd ghost-themed business idea; the captain of the Carabinieri who proposes a shotgun wedding to his daughter, who has become pregnant by a stranger. Finally, late at night, a couple of thieves enter the house with Barbara's complicity. Fausto surprises them, impassive and bored as always, and reassures them: there is nothing left, neither gold nor paintings, everything has been sold. The three do nothing but chat until the sun rises, when the thieves leave and Barbara puts the coffee on the fire.

Marco Bellocchio's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Fausto Russo Alesi (Fausto)'s journey. Finally, late at night, a couple of thieves enter the house with Barbara's complicity.

As part of the If I May - Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.

How Does Fausto Russo Alesi (Fausto)'s Story End?

• Fausto Russo Alesi: Fausto Russo Alesi's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Barbara Ronchi (Barbara): Barbara Ronchi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Rocco Papaleo: Rocco Papaleo's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of If I May - Chapter II Mean?

The ending of If I May - Chapter II brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Fausto Russo Alesi's story may not satisfy all audiences.