'Wil' Ending Explained: Wilfred Wils grapples with consequences of Yuvette Metdepenningen's tragic death
Spoilers for 'Wil'
ANTWERP, BELGIUM: The war drama film 'Wil', featuring Stef Aerts, made its debut on Netflix on January 31. Adapted from Jeroen Olyslaegers' novel 'Will' the movie revolves around the complex character Wilfried Wils, portrayed by Stef Aerts.
Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Antwerp, Belgium (known as Antwerpen in those days) during World War II, the film's narrative unfolds in a city gripped by terror and violence.
Amid this turmoil, Wilfried Wils, a young policeman, finds himself driven by a strong sense of ethical morality. In a courageous act, he decides to support a Jewish family in the face of the oppressive circumstances of the time.
Jewish family is killed by Gregor Schnabel's man
Upon discovering the Jewish family trapped within his home, Mr Verschaffel confronts Wilfried Wils, insisting that he eliminate the family or face severe consequences. Prepared to carry out the act to save himself, Wilfried is taken aback when Myriam (Els Dottermans) intervenes, assaulting Mr Verschaffel and ultimately stabbing him to death.
In the aftermath, Wilfried and Lode (Matteo Simoni) forge fake ID cards for the rescued family, ensuring their safe passage to a secure location.
Escorted to the railway station amid a heavily armed police presence, the family successfully boards the train, leaving Wilfried, Lode, and Yvette Metdepenningen (Annelore Crollet) relieved that the family is now out of harm's way. Little do they know of the unforeseen challenges ahead.
The following day, Wilfried is summoned by Gregor Schnabe and receives a shocking revelation: Lizke has been apprehended and killed. This grim news implies that Myriam and the young girl might have suffered a similar fate or been taken to concentration camps.
To make matters worse, the professor, head of the resistance organization 'White Brigade,' has been detained on charges of forging fake ID cards for the family.
Bound and subjected to brutal physical abuse, the professor, in a desperate plea, implores Wilfried to save him, revealing his ties to the resistance group. As the intricacies of the wartime struggle unfold, Wilfried finds himself entangled in a web of unforeseen consequences and moral dilemmas.
What happened to Wilfred Wils and Yuvette Metdepenningen?
Gregor exposes Wilfred's secret, aware of the hidden family and the officer's death. Offering a chance at redemption, he tasks Wilfred with providing a false address for an upcoming raid.
Wilfred, hesitant at first, discloses Pelikaanstraat to Yuvette after learning he's becoming a father. The 'White Brigade' initially suspects Terliststraat but settles on Pelikaanstraat.
In a last-minute twist, Gregor changes the location to Terliststraat, catching the Jews off guard. Disturbed by the chaos, Lode witnesses Wilfred's sudden brutal turn, mercilessly attacking the Jews. Unaffected by the gruesome scene, Wilfred pursues Yuvette, who, heartbroken, flees.
When they arrive at a railway track, Yuvette gives Wilfried one last look before killing herself by running in front of an approaching train. Wilfred, shocked, is left to grapple with the consequences.
The movie ends with a voiceover of Wilfried, indicating that he has embraced his new reality and intends to move on.
'Wil' is currently streaming on Netflix