What Happens at the End of The American Backyard?

A troubled young man falls for an American military auxiliary in postwar Italy. A year later, he relocates to the American Midwest to write his first novel, next to her elderly mother's house—separated by a grim garden.

Pupi Avati's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Filippo Scotti (Lui)'s journey. A year later, he relocates to the American Midwest to write his first novel, next to her elderly mother's house—separated by a grim garden.

How Does Filippo Scotti (Lui)'s Story End?

• Filippo Scotti: Filippo Scotti's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Rita Tushingham (Flora): Rita Tushingham's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Roberto De Francesco (Emilio Zagatto): Roberto De Francesco's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The American Backyard Mean?

The American Backyard's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Filippo Scotti may feel rushed. Pupi Avati's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.