Harvey - Ending Explained

The film builds to a climax where Veta, exhausted by the social stigma, takes Elwood to the sanitarium to receive an injection (Formula 977) that will cure his hallucinations and make him 'normal.' As Elwood prepares for the procedure with his typical polite resignation, the cab driver tells Veta that he drives many people to get the shot, and afterwards, they become 'perfectly normal human beings, and you know what stinkers they are.' Realizing she prefers her eccentric, kind brother over a normal, cynical bore, Veta bangs on the door to stop the injection. She accepts Elwood as he is. They leave the sanitarium together, with Harvey (invisible) following them, implying that the magic—and the kindness—will continue.

Harvey as a Pooka (Real Magic): The film provides evidence (the hat with holes, the dictionary definition, Veta seeing him, the purse appearing) that Harvey is a genuine Celtic spirit, making the film a fantasy rather than a study of mental illness.

Harvey as a Shared Delusion: Another reading is that Harvey is a 'folie à deux' or mass hysteria where Elwood's sheer force of personality makes others hallucinate what he sees.

Harvey as a Metaphor for Alcoholism: While the play was darker, the film softens Elwood's drinking. However, some critics view Harvey as the manifestation of an alcoholic's denial and escapism, though the film treats this with warmth rather than judgment.