Soul - Ending Explained

The central twist of "Soul" occurs when Joe and 22 accidentally travel to Earth together, but 22's soul ends up in Joe's body while Joe's soul inhabits a therapy cat. This body-swap scenario forces Joe to see his own life from an outsider's perspective, while 22 gets to experience the sensory joys of being human for the first time. It is through this experience—savoring pizza, feeling the wind, connecting with Joe's barber and mother—that 22 discovers her 'spark,' which Joe mistakenly believes is a specific talent she has found.

After Joe gets his body back, he achieves his lifelong dream of playing with Dorothea Williams's quartet. However, he finds the experience surprisingly unfulfilling. This anticlimax leads him to a profound realization as he reflects on the small items 22 collected: the true meaning of life, the 'spark,' isn't about achieving a grand purpose. It's about the simple, profound joy of living.

Realizing 22 has become a 'lost soul' out of despair that she has no purpose, Joe enters the 'Zone' to find her. He shows her the memories of her joyful moments on Earth, proving that her spark was her readiness to live. In a selfless act, Joe gives 22 her completed Earth Pass, allowing her to be born. As he prepares to accept his fate and enter the Great Beyond, a Jerry intervenes, telling him his actions have been inspiring and offering him a second chance at life. The film ends with Joe stepping out of his apartment, ready to appreciate every minute of his life, his purpose now redefined not by what he does, but by how he lives.

While the film's primary message is about finding joy in the everyday, some viewers and critics have offered alternative readings. One interpretation focuses on the idea of privilege. 22, having been mentored by historical figures, has a certain kind of privilege but lacks the lived experience to appreciate it. Joe, on the other hand, faces the systemic challenges of a Black artist trying to make it in a competitive world. Their journey together can be seen as a commentary on how different life experiences shape one's perspective on purpose and happiness.

Another perspective critiques the film's resolution as being too simplistic. Some argue that while the message to "just live" is heartwarming, it downplays the real-world necessity of having a purpose or passion to drive one's career and provide financial stability. This view suggests that the film's philosophy, while well-intentioned, might not fully resonate with those who do not have the luxury to simply enjoy the small moments without worrying about their future.

The ending, where Joe is given a second chance at life, has also been debated. Some see it as a heartwarming reward for his selflessness, while others might have preferred an ending where he accepts his death, which could have been a more profound statement on the finite nature of life and the importance of the time we have.