Theo, the boat! We are safe now!

In the final scene in of movie, we see Theo and Kee emerging in a rowboat from an underground canal out into the open sea. The new born baby is crying and cannot be consoled. With his last bit of energy, Theo teaches Kee how to subdue her baby. The baby is quieted as the boat “Tomorrow” appears in the distance. Theo then either dies or passes out from blood loss; we are left with a black screen and laughter of children.

There are a multitude of elements that make up a scene: setting, costumes/makeup, lighting, and staging. I will discuss both the setting and costumes/makeup. In this final scene, as mentioned above, they are in a small boat in the sea. The water is relatively calm. I feel as if this symbolizes they have finally reached their journeys end. They no long have to fear the constant threats they were faced with throughout the movie. The air around them is misty and foggy; this adds the effect of “the unknown.” Kee worries that “Tomorrow” has already come and gone. When the fog breaks, it does so around “Tomorrow” to show that not all hope is lost. Also, floating behind the rowboat is the buoy with a single light on it. Through the mist and fog, there is “a light at the end of the tunnel” so to say. The hardships have paid off and they will finally be able to start anew in a safe location. There is no real need for use of any props. There is so much symbolizing with the nature surrounding the boat.

When reflecting back on the use of costumes, I could not remember what the characters where wearing in this scene. Though the scene was simple, the makeup contributes its fair share. The rowboat is covered in blood, but Kee thinks it is hers. Theo quickly reassures her that it is his blood. The camera pans over to show all the blood in the rowboat. I feel like even though he’s pouring out a significant amount of blood, there is no sense of urgency. Usually when one sees that much blood, there is a high level of panic, but both Theo and Kee act strangely serene. I still question as to why that is; Kee should want to save Theo’s life.

The end when we hear laughter and the screen goes to black reminds me of how Inception ended. Was it a dream or was it real life? For Children of Men, does Theo die in the boat because his journey is now over or will he continue on?