What Happens at the End of The Good Heart?

Jacques is the curmudgeonly owner of a gritty New York dive bar that serves as home to a motley assortment of professional drinkers. Jacques is determinedly drinking and smoking himself to death when he meets Lucas, a homeless young man who has already given up on life. Determined to keep his legacy alive, Jacques deems Lucas is a fitting heir and takes him under his wing.

Dagur Kári's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Brian Cox (Jacques)'s journey. Jacques is determinedly drinking and smoking himself to death when he meets Lucas, a homeless young man who has already given up on life.

How Does Brian Cox (Jacques)'s Story End?

• Brian Cox: Brian Cox's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Paul Dano (Lucas): Paul Dano's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Stephanie Szostak (Sarah): Stephanie Szostak's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Good Heart Mean?

The Good Heart's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Brian Cox may feel rushed. Dagur Kári's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.