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What The Matrix's Ending Means (According To The Wachowskis)
The Matrix redefined the action-genre when it released over 20 years ago. Mixing Hong Kong style action with metaphysical musings, the series brought complex philosophy to the masses. Even after 20 years fans still continue to debate and critique the films. In 2005, two years after the original trilogy ended, the conversation was reignited by the video game Path of Neo as it contained both a revised ending and commentary from the Wachowskis on the ending to the final film in the series, The Matrix Revolutions.
The ending to The Matrix Revolutions is bittersweet. Humanity and the machines come to a truce but series hero, Neo, must sacrifice himself for the alliance. In order for humanity, and the machines, to be saved, Agent Smith, who has become a virus within the Matrix, must be defeated. Neo martyrs himself by letting Smith assimilate him. This action enables the machines to destroy Smith by sending an energy surge into Smith's code, via Neo's physical body. The world is saved thanks to Neo's sacrifice.
When players reach this crucial story juncture in Path of Neo (a video game retelling of The Matrix trilogy where players control Neo) the story stops and cuts away to a white room inhabited by two leather chairs, like the room in The Matrix where Morpheus tells Neo about the truth of reality. From there, pixelated versions of the Wachowskis appear and say that instead of the original ending, the game features a new ending where Neo gets to fight his way to victory, since they see it as a more appropriate finale for an action game. However, before the new ending ensues, the Wachowskis disclose the meaning behind the way the franchise ends.
The Meaning Behind The Matrix Revolutions' Ending
At the end of The Matrix Revolutions, Neo defeats Agent Smith, but not through brute strength. Rather, Neo comes to enlightenment, or what Buddhist calls satori, by understanding that all that exists is the present moment. The exact nature of truth, or even experience, is mediated by individual consciousness, which is to say none of us can know what actually is real and what is not. In this context, actual choice is impossible since no understanding of outcomes, or even what exists beyond your perception, is possible.
That is why Neo surrenders. He cannot kill Agent Smith. He cannot win. But, by absolving himself of what happens, and embracing the moment, he does the only thing he can do and surrenders, thereby choosing despite having no real choice. Then the universe unfolds around his choice, for, without his knowing, his action brings about the destruction of Smith and the salvation of humanity.
Without a doubt dense and complex, the explanation is true to the spirit of Wachowskis, as they love to imbue their films with symbolism and purpose. Recently, Lilly Wachowski discussed how the Matrix films function as a trans-allegory, as the theme of transformation is central to the films. When looked through the perspective of what the Wachowskis say about the series' ending in Path of Neo, this makes perfect sense. Reality is subjective and is experienced individually, by each of us, so we each create and transform ourselves every single moment, meaning being trans is a natural expression of one's transformative self.
The Matrix continues to shape culture and with the recent announcement of The Matrix 4 being in production, the series influence will no doubt continue to expand. With its inclusive themes, philosophical insights, and thrilling action, The Matrix is a singular sci-fi franchise.
