Remember Me is a 2010 romantic drama film directed by Allen Coulter and written by Will Fetters. The film follows the lives of two young individuals, Tyler Hawkins (played by Robert Pattinson) and Ally Craig (played by Emilie de Ravin), as they navigate personal challenges, family dynamics, and a burgeoning romance in the backdrop of New York City. The story explores themes of grief, healing, and the impact of unexpected events on people's lives.
Plot Summary
Remember Me begins with a prologue set in 1991, where young Tyler Hawkins witnesses the suicide of his older brother, Michael. This traumatic event profoundly affects Tyler and his family, especially his distant relationship with his father, Charles Hawkins (played by Pierce Brosnan), a successful executive.
Fast forward to the present day, and we find Tyler as a rebellious, college-going young man with a penchant for trouble. He is intelligent but troubled, often getting into fights and engaging in reckless behaviour. His relationship with his father remains strained, and he struggles to come to terms with the loss of his brother.
In parallel, we are introduced to Ally Craig, a compassionate and artistic young woman who is also dealing with her share of personal tragedies. Ally witnessed her mother's murder during a subway mugging, leaving her emotionally scarred. The trauma has made her vigilant and cautious, but she channels her emotions into her artwork.
The paths of Tyler and Ally intersect when Tyler, seeking revenge for a friend, gets involved in a confrontation with a police officer, Neil Craig (played by Chris Cooper). Neil is Ally's father, and this event leads to a complex and initially tumultuous connection between Tyler and Ally.
Despite their different backgrounds and coping mechanisms, Tyler and Ally find solace in each other's company. Tyler's friendship with Ally helps him cope with his inner demons, while Ally starts to open up emotionally. The film explores their growing bond, their shared pain, and the healing power of love.
As Tyler and Ally navigate their budding romance, the narrative also delves into the relationships within their respective families. Tyler tries to bridge the gap with his father, Charles, while Ally struggles with her overprotective father, Neil. The film poignantly portrays the impact of loss on family dynamics and the efforts of individuals to find connection and understanding in the face of tragedy.
A significant portion of the story revolves around the characters' personal growth and the healing process. Tyler begins to find closure and forgiveness in unexpected places, including his relationship with his father and his own understanding of love and responsibility. Ally, too, learns to overcome her fears and trust in others, finding strength in her connection with Tyler.
The film takes a surprising turn as it approaches its climax, with a twist that alters the course of the narrative.
Twist in the Ending of the Movie Remember Me
In the final moments of Remember Me, a significant and unexpected twist is revealed. Throughout the film, the audience has been engrossed in the developing romance between Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) and Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin), as well as the individual struggles they face in the aftermath of personal tragedies.
However, in the closing scenes, it is disclosed that the movie is set against the backdrop of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. The film deliberately conceals this context until the end, and the revelation is meant to be a poignant and emotional surprise.
Tyler's father, Charles Hawkins (Pierce Brosnan), who has been portrayed as a distant and strained figure throughout the movie, is revealed to be working in one of the Twin Towers on that fateful day. The film depicts the impact of the attacks on the characters, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of that tragic event.
The revelation serves as a narrative device to underscore the film's themes of loss, the unpredictable nature of life, and the enduring power of memory. It encourages the audience to reflect on the interconnectedness of lives and the profound impact of historical events on individuals and families.
The movie ends with a sense of bittersweet reflection, as the characters grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy and attempt to find meaning in the face of profound loss. The twist in the ending redefines the context of the entire film and reinforces the central message of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones, as life can take unexpected turns.
The ending of Remember Me has been a topic of discussion and debate among viewers, as some appreciate the emotional impact of the twist, while others find it controversial in its use of a historical tragedy as a plot device.
