Nights of Cabiria ending explained

What happens

Oscar, the man she planned to marry, takes her money by a cliff and leaves her. Cabiria gets up, walks to the road, and meets passing young people singing. She wipes her tears and smiles.

The last image

Cabiria, tears still on her face, glances toward the camera and begins to smile as the singing young people pass.

Two readings

1 · Hope survivesAfter everything, she is still open to people and to life.

2 · Fragile comfortThe smile may be a brief lift, not a promise that things will change.

What it says

The film has asked whether faith can outlast disappointment. Fellini answers with a face, not an explanation: her hope is stubborn and a little foolish, and it is also her dignity. She is still here, and still open.