What Happens at the End of ZAAD?

ZAAD tells the autobiographical story of Dries Meddens. After the death of his mother, the care for Dries' bipolar father falls on his plate. He discovers how crudely and ruthlessly society and psychiatry treat patients. His father eventually dies in solitary confinement. While emptying his parent’s home, Dries discovers an old letter from his grandfather. The man appears to have led a busy, productive life. He is the founder of an internationally renowned seed breeding company and still has time to paint, write diaries and conduct intensive correspondence. Dries finds similarities between his grandfather, his father and himself. Slowly the fear grows that his father's psychiatric illness might be hereditary. Strolling through the family’s film and photo archives, with dramatic and sometimes hilarious finds, Dries tries to find answers. He also consults a psychiatrist. Together the consultations and reviewing of his archival material help Dries look at bipolarity with new eyes.

Dries Meddens's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Dries Meddens's journey. After the death of his mother, the care for Dries' bipolar father falls on his plate.

How Does Dries Meddens's Story End?

• Dries Meddens: Dries Meddens's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Bernard Sabbe: Bernard Sabbe's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Luna Meddens: Luna Meddens's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of ZAAD Mean?

The ending of ZAAD brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Dries Meddens's story may not satisfy all audiences.