Beyond the Universe - Ending Explained

The central plot follows talented pianist Nina (Giulia Be), whose career is stalled by lupus, which requires a kidney transplant. She meets resident doctor Gabriel (Henry Zaga), and they fall in love, despite the ethical complications and Gabriel's strained relationship with his father, Alberto (João Miguel), who is also a doctor at the hospital. Gabriel encourages Nina to audition for the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, reigniting her passion.

Their relationship is discovered, and Gabriel is put under investigation by the hospital committee. Nina, initially breaking up with him to save his career, has a change of heart after being encouraged by a fellow patient, Amanda (Viviane Araújo). She interrupts the committee meeting and successfully defends Gabriel, saving his job.

The major twist occurs when Gabriel travels to Universe Point mountain, a place special to his late mother. While trying to retrieve a windswept photograph, the rope he is using breaks, and he suffers a fatal fall. Nina is devastated by his sudden death. The ending provides a bittersweet resolution: a year later, it's revealed that Gabriel's father, Alberto, full of remorse and inspired by his son's selflessness, donated his own kidney to Nina. Having recovered, Nina fulfills her dream and performs with the Symphony Orchestra, dedicating her performance to Gabriel. The film concludes with Nina at Universe Point mountain, feeling Gabriel's presence and keeping the promise he made to her.

While the film's ending is largely straightforward, the final scene where Nina is at Universe Point mountain can be interpreted in a few ways. The most direct interpretation is that she is fulfilling her promise to Gabriel and feeling his spiritual presence, honoring his memory.

A more metaphorical interpretation sees this scene not just as a personal tribute, but as Nina fully internalizing Gabriel's optimistic philosophy. By going to the place that symbolized his dreams and connection to the world, she demonstrates that his spirit and outlook on life now live on through her. The "reunion" is symbolic of her complete acceptance of hope over despair, carrying his legacy within her as she moves forward.