E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ending explained: Here's what happens to the alien

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, also simply known as E.T., is a science fiction film that was released on June 11, 1982, after its Cannes Film Festival premiere. Steven Spielberg directed the film and produced it alongside Kathleen Kennedy; the script was written by Melissa Mathison. Here is its official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliot who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliot, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.

Over the years, there have reportedly been discussions on how the film ends and the actual fate of the titular alien.

How does E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial end?

A still from E.T. | Image via Universal Pictures

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is about an alien who is left behind on Earth and is taken care of by Elliot, who tries to send him back to his home. Towards the end, the alien builds a device to contact home, and he manages to establish some contact with his planet. However, E.T. goes missing the next day, and Elliot is found in a field. The latter falls sick because E.T. sends a signal to his home. Because the two are interconnected telepathically, one of them gets the effect of the other's actions.

Since the connection was severed, Elliot's health also declines while E.T. dies. But soon, his alien family arrives on Earth to take him back. E.T.'s telepathic co-dependency is the main reason he cannot live on Earth forever. When his companions arrive, E.T.'s heart glows and begins to function again as he manages to form a connection. Before the alien is about to leave the planet, he asks Elliot to come with him.

What happened to Elliot in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial after the alien leaves?

As E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial reached its end, Elliot was left with a tricky situation where he had to make a decision. Despite the strong bond he shared with E.T., Elliot could not go to a different planet for obvious reasons. He is a human child who could not survive the environment on an alien planet. Another reason, which is more plot-centric, is that he needed to remain on Earth for a proper conclusion to take place.

Elliot can't leave his family, and his refusal of the offer hints that he has matured emotionally. By the end of the film, he has gone through a transition and is a different person. The plot begins with a child trying to cope with the separation of his parents. He finds a friend in an alien who teaches him how to be hopeful. While the ending can be deemed sad, it also has a hint of hope and love. It also indicates the end of childhood for the protagonist as he has gone through a major experience in life.

What do you think about the film's ending?