The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry ending explained: Queenie's eventual fate revealed

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a drama film directed by Hettie McDonald.

The film is written by Rachel Joyce, and it's an adaptation of Joyce's 2012 novel of the same name. The film was released by Ingenious Media on April 28, 2023. Here's the official synopsis as per Letterboxd:

"Harold Fry is an unremarkable man who has made mistakes with all the important things: being a husband, a father and a friend. And now, well into his 60s, he is content to fade quietly into the background of life. Until, one day, Harold learns his old friend Queenie is dying. Harold leaves home, walking to his post office to send her a letter. And out of the blue, Harold decides to keep walking, all the way to her hospice, 450 miles away."

Let's explore the film's ending.

What is the plot of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry follows Harold Fry (Jim Broadbent), who lives a quiet and simple life with his wife. One day, he receives a letter from his longtime close friend, Queenie (Linda Bassett). who is on her deathbed. He goes to the post office to write her a letter, but then decides to go visit her at the hospital.

How does The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry end?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry follows Harold and his wife, Maureen (Penelope Wilton). Harold's life takes a turn when he receives a letter from his old friend Queenie, in which she reveals that she might not survive for long as she's suffering from cancer. After trying to send her a letter, Harold decides to go and meet her at the hospital.

During his journey, he meets different types of people and tries to hear their stories. He continues to walk towards the hospital, which is more than 400 miles away from him. As Harold walks, several people join him, and he slowly becomes a famous figure.

During a camp, Harold reveals that his son took his own life. The people at the camp tell him to continue the journey alone. Harold continues to walk to meet his old friend. Maureen encourages him to continue and informs him that she didn't pass Queenie's message to him 25 years ago. This resulted in him feeling guilty for David's demise. She was suspecting that the two had an affair. But she finally tells him the message.

Harold eventually arrives at Berwick and sees Queenie. She is not in a condition to speak. Later, Maureen meets and hints that Queenie passed away after he saw her. He feels guilty thinking he could have saved her. Maureen provides him comfort.

Towards the end of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, several people who had accompanied Harold during his journey show up. They look at the light reflecting on them. The film ends on an emotional and somber note with Harold coming to terms with the deaths of both David and Queenie.