Ordet ending explained · Cinespective

What happens

At Inger's coffin, Johannes, calm and himself again, prays for her to rise, and she opens her eyes. Mikkel, the unbeliever, cries out in faith. The families' quarrel is already over.

The last image

Inger lies alive in the lamplit room, and the family gathers around her in quiet wonder.

Three readings

1 · A real miracleThe film shows a true resurrection, answering Morten's prayers beyond all expectation.

2 · A symbol of trustHer return stands for what faith could do if people truly believed.

3 · An ideal of beliefThe scene asks what you are ready to see, whether or not it literally happens.

What it says

The ending turns on who believes. Those clinging to doctrine or doubt are startled, while a child and a man called mad trusted. Dreyer films it plainly, so the question stays with you: would you be ready to see it?