The Graduate ending explained

What happens

Benjamin crashes Elaine's wedding, she answers his cry, and they escape on a bus. Their triumphant grins fade into silence. The film shows that winning her doesn't tell either of them what comes next.

The last image

Benjamin and Elaine sit side by side at the back of the bus, their smiles slowly fading as it carries them on, with The Sound of Silence returning on the soundtrack.

What it says

The ending is clear: Benjamin has acted, but he still can't say what he wants. Escaping the life planned for him doesn't hand him a new one. The film ends on that silence so you leave holding his question.