Garden State Ending Explained: Did Andrew Return To LA Or Stayed In New Jersey, Find It Out

As a die-hard fan of Garden State and someone who’s seen this movie more times than I care to count, let me tell you that Zach Braff’s directorial debut is a masterpiece of modern indie cinema. The way it beautifully captures the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery is nothing short of extraordinary.

As a lifestyle connoisseur looking back, it’s almost unbelievable that two whole decades have passed since Zach Braff first graced us with his directorial debut – the iconic indie film Garden State from 2004. Yes, you guessed it! The movie that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, boasting an astounding 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Hey there! As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on the captivating film “Garden State,” starring Zach Braff as Andrew. This heartwarming tale follows Andrew’s journey of reconnecting with old friends, exploring his past, and most significantly, meeting an extraordinary woman named Sam who shifts his outlook on life. However, the movie leaves us guessing about Andrew’s ultimate fate – whether he decides to go back to his melancholic existence in LA or embark on a new journey. Let’s delve deeper into the intricate details that hint at the resolution of Garden State’s enigmatic ending.

Andrew returns to New Jersey

Andrew “Large” Largeman, typically known as Large, residing in Los Angeles, makes a journey back to New Jersey following the funeral of his mother, an absence of almost ten years. This homecoming compels him to confront his past. He rekindles old relationships and finds himself immersed in enjoyable experiences. It soon becomes apparent that these moments were conspicuously absent from his drug-ridden life in LA. Furthermore, he encounters his long-estranged father, Gideon, portrayed by Ian Holm.

Andrew meets Sam and the start of change

Upon coming back, Andrew encounters Sam, who’s known for her excessive lying. Despite liking him, Sam grapples with her own life questions. In the movie, Natalie Portman portrays Sam. As Andrew hangs out with Sam and her friends, his view on life shifts significantly. His bond with Sam ignites a change within him, causing him to recognize the extent of his emotional detachment due to years of medication.

Instead of partying and visiting old hangouts, as well as facing difficulties with his long-absent father, he begins to embrace new experiences. He discovers an excitement and vitality in these encounters that seems lacking in Los Angeles. Sam injects vibrancy and spontaneity into Andrew’s life.

Andrew decides to return to Los Angeles

Towards the film’s conclusion, Andrew makes up his mind to go back to Los Angeles. He feels compelled to understand himself better and gain independence first, before entering into a serious relationship with Sam. At the airport, he assures Sam it’s not a goodbye and promises to come back.

“He tells Sam, ‘I’m concerned that unless I find a way to stand on my own, I might ruin everything, as this matter is crucial and too significant.'”

The decision at the airport

As Andrew prepares for takeoff on the plane, he suddenly recognizes that departing isn’t the solution. Instead, he decides to hold onto his recent insights and emotions. The following scene reveals him locating Sam at a phone booth, tears streaming down her face. It then becomes clear to Andrew that his love for Sam is the one constant truth in his life.

He expresses to her, “I believe that’s the one thing I’ve been absolutely certain about throughout my life. Currently, I’m in a confused state and have numerous issues to address, but I don’t want to spend any more time in my life without you by my side, understood?”

Confronting the old demons

During the entire film, it is clear that Andrew harbors guilt over the accident that left his mother paralyzed as a paraplegic. From his youth, his father has administered potent medications to him, which have dulled Andrew’s emotional sensitivity. However, Gideon now thinks that Andrew can only mend if he learns to forgive himself.

In a chat, Andrew shares with his father, “Perhaps we aren’t as joyful as you’ve always envisioned us to be, but for the first time, let’s accept who we truly are.” Following this discussion, with Sam’s assistance, he begins to forgive past transgressions and moves forward.

Why did Andrew initially want to return to LA?

In the midst of all the favorable transformations I’ve experienced here in New Jersey, I find myself drawn back to Los Angeles. The reason? I can’t let my life remain uncharted while I’m here, for fear it might jeopardize my bond with Sam.

You have the option to see Zach Braff’s 2004 independent hit film, Garden State, again. You can do this by renting it or buying it through Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video on Max.

2024-08-02 13:40