The Boy and the Beast - Ending Explained

The major twist in "The Boy and the Beast" is the revelation that Ichirohiko, the seemingly gentle and quiet son of Iozen, is also a human who was found as a baby in the human world. This twist recasts him as a tragic figure and a dark mirror to Kyuta. While Kyuta was aware of his human origins, Ichirohiko was not, leading to a profound identity crisis that fuels his inner darkness. This darkness manifests as an uncontrollable telekinetic power and eventually as a spectral whale, a direct reference to "Moby Dick," which symbolizes his all-consuming rage and despair.

The climax of the film sees Kumatetsu, after being gravely injured by Ichirohiko, choose to be reincarnated as a deity in the form of a sword. He then fills the void in Kyuta's heart, becoming his inner strength and allowing him to defeat Ichirohiko without killing him. This act is the ultimate expression of their father-son bond. The ending clarifies that Kumatetsu is not gone, but has become a permanent part of Kyuta, able to communicate with him and offer guidance. Kyuta chooses to return to the human world to live with his father and attend university with Kaede, but he carries Kumatetsu with him in his heart, having finally found a way to reconcile the two worlds and his own identity.

One alternative interpretation of the film focuses on the idea of toxic masculinity and its deconstruction. Kumatetsu initially embodies many traits of traditional, aggressive masculinity, but his relationship with Kyuta forces him to embrace vulnerability and nurturing qualities. The film can be seen as a critique of the idea that men must be stoic and self-reliant, instead celebrating the strength found in emotional connection and interdependence.

Another reading of the film could be as an allegory for the challenges of adolescence and the transition to adulthood. Kyuta's struggle between the human and beast worlds can be seen as a metaphor for the internal conflicts young people face as they navigate societal expectations, family obligations, and the development of their own identities. The "darkness" within him can be interpreted as the angst, confusion, and anger that often accompany this tumultuous period of life.