Queer ending explained: Why don’t Lee and Gene end up together?

Queer, a romantic drama set in 1950s Mexico City, delves into the complexities of love, attraction, and identity within a repressive society. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on the 1985 novella by William S. Burroughs, the film stars Daniel Craig as Lee, an emotionally tormented American expatriate, and Drew Starkey as Gene, a younger man who becomes the object of Lee’s obsession.

Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival in 2024 and released by A24, the film has won praise for its layered narrative and performances.

The titular question related to the ending, why don’t Lee and Gene end up together, is directly answered in the film’s symbolic and surreal ending. Their relationship, defined by emotional distance and unfulfilled longing, disintegrates during a transformative yage (ayahuasca) trip in the South American jungle.

The journey exposes the incompatibility between their desires, with Gene’s assertion that he is “not queer” marking their final emotional rupture.

Lee's pursuit of Gene, a young and emotionally elusive man, across the clubs of Mexico City commences the narrative. Their bond is intensely physical, but it lacks the emotional connection that Lee desires.

The narrative concludes with a psychedelic journey that reveals their true selves. Gene ultimately departs from Lee, and Lee's isolation will endure. The cyclical nature of Lee's struggles and the impossibility of his desires are revealed in this intricate ending.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers from the movie related to the ending. Reader's discretion is advised.

Why Lee and Gene don’t end up together

A still from the movie Queer (Image via A24)

A relationship of unequal desires

Lee's attraction to Gene is unparalleled, as it is rooted in his profound yearning for emotional intimacy. Nevertheless, Gene maintains an emotional distance, considering their relationship to be solely physical.

The discrepancy in their expectations is underscored by Lee's desperate attempts to establish a more profound connection, which includes inviting Gene to accompany him on a South American expedition.

Gene’s pivotal admission during their yage experience—“I’m not queer”—shatters Lee’s hopes. This revelation underscores Gene’s internal conflict and his inability to reciprocate Lee’s feelings.

For Gene, queerness represents repression, a struggle he cannot reconcile with Lee’s yearning for connection.

The symbolism of the yage trip

The yage trip is a transformative moment for both characters. Under the guidance of Dr. Cotter, Lee and Gene ingest the hallucinogenic brew, leading to vivid visions. They vomit their hearts, symbolizing their emotional truths, and communicate telepathically.

Gene’s declaration of his identity as “incorporeal” reflects his detachment from Lee’s world. Their brief physical merging during the trip illustrates Lee’s desperate attempt to unite with Gene, but the divide between them remains unbridgeable.

A final goodbye

The morning after the yage experience, Gene withdraws entirely. He refuses to engage with Lee, signaling the definitive end of their connection. As they leave Dr. Cotter’s house, Gene disappears into the jungle, never to return. Lee, left alone, faces the stark reality of his unfulfilled desires.

The psychedelic epilogue

Dreams and hallucinations

The final act of the film elides the distinction between reality and hallucination. Now that Lee has returned to Mexico City, she harbors aspirations of meeting Gene in a hotel room.

Gene is shot by Lee after he places a shot glass on his head in this vision. Lee's internal conflict is exemplified by this moment, which is a combination of grief, longing, and anger. The dream concludes with Lee holding Gene's lifeless body, which serves as a metaphor for the emotional toll of their relationship.

The ouroboros and the centipede

In another dream, Lee sees a centipede necklace worn by Gene and an ouroboros (a snake that consumes its own tail). The ouroboros symbolizes Lee's cyclical struggles with addiction, loneliness, and longing.

Gene's progression and eventual detachment are symbolized by the centipede, in contrast. This stark juxtaposition reiterates the permanence of their separation.

Lee’s final days

After Gene’s departure, Lee’s life reverts to its familiar pattern of solitude and yearning. The film’s final scenes depict an elderly Lee in a hotel room, trembling as memories of Gene consume him. His death, marked by isolation and unresolved longing, epitomizes the tragedy of his existence.

A glimpse of hope?

Despite its bleak conclusion, the film offers a glimmer of optimism through its vibrant closing visuals. The streaks of color symbolize the possibility of a brighter future for the queer community, hinting at a world where loneliness might one day be less all-encompassing.

Also Read: "I felt a sense of uncertainty"- Nicholas Galitzine opens up about playing queer characters as a "straight man"

Production, direction, and music of Queer

Luca Guadagnino’s direction brings William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novella to life with a blend of raw emotion and surrealism. The film captures the oppressive atmosphere of 1950s Mexico City while delving deep into the psyche of its protagonist. Guadagnino’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the haunting jungle sequences to the dreamlike epilogue.

The film's score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The narrative's resonance is further accentuated by tracks such as Vaster than Empires, which incorporate lyrics from Burroughs' final diary entry. The soundtrack's cultural authenticity is enhanced by the inclusion of Spanish-language songs, such as Te Maldigo by Omar Apollo.

Cast of Queer

The cast of the movie includes:

Daniel Craig as William Lee
Drew Starkey as Eugene Allerton
Jason Schwartzman as Joe Guidry
Lesley Manville as Dr. Cotter
Henry Zaga as Winston Moor
Omar Apollo as Chimu Bar Guy
Andra Ursuța as Mary
Drew Droege as John Dumé
David Lowery as Jim Cochan

Queer explores the intersection of love, identity, and loneliness. Its ending, marked by psychedelic imagery and profound symbolism, captures the emotional turmoil of unfulfilled desires. Stay tuned for more news and updates on Queer and similar projects as the year progresses.

Edited by Prem Deshpande