What Happens at the End of We Are Pat?

Pat, the evasive, androgynous character made famous on Saturday Night Live by Julia Sweeney, was an inescapable figure in 1990s pop culture. As a child, filmmaker Ro Haber became obsessed with Pat—a character whose popularity stemmed from making others uncomfortable by defying gender norms. Decades later, and now an out trans filmmaker, Haber still grapples with Pat’s legacy. Thirty-five years after It’s Pat first aired, Haber assembles a group of queer and trans comedians, writers, and even Sweeney herself to revisit the character. Through conversation and critique, they aim not to erase Pat but to reframe them, transforming a symbol of ridicule into one of reflection and empowerment.

Rowan Haber's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Julia Sweeney (Self)'s journey. As a child, filmmaker Ro Haber became obsessed with Pat—a character whose popularity stemmed from making others uncomfortable by defying gender norms.

How Does Julia Sweeney (Self)'s Story End?

• Julia Sweeney: Julia Sweeney's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Molly Kearney (Self): Molly Kearney's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Kevin Nealon (Self): Kevin Nealon's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of We Are Pat Mean?

The ending of We Are Pat brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Julia Sweeney's story may not satisfy all audiences.