What Happens at the End of The Promise?

East-Berlin, 1961, shortly after the erection of the Wall. Konrad, Sophie and three of their friends plan a daring escape to Western Germany. The attempt is successful, except for Konrad, who remains behind. From then on, and for the next 28 years, Konrad and Sophie will attempt to meet again, in spite of the Iron Curtain. Konrad, who has become a reputed Astrophysicist, tries to take advantage of scientific congresses outside Eastern Germany to arrange encounters with Sophie. But in a country where the political police, the Stasi, monitors the moves of all suspicious people (such as Konrad's sister Barbara and her husband Harald), preserving one's privacy, ideals and self-respect becomes an exhausting fight, even as the Eastern block begins its long process of disintegration.

Margarethe von Trotta's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Meret Becker (Sophie I)'s journey. Konrad, Sophie and three of their friends plan a daring escape to Western Germany.

How Does Meret Becker (Sophie I)'s Story End?

• Meret Becker: Meret Becker's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Corinna Harfouch (Sophie II): Corinna Harfouch's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Anian Zollner (Konrad I): Anian Zollner's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Promise Mean?

The Promise's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Meret Becker may feel rushed. Margarethe von Trotta's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.