Netflix’s short film ‘Flashback’, a creation of Jed Shepherd, the mind behind ‘Host’, weaves a captivating tale of love and sacrifice. The film stars Jemma Moore as Jess, a yoga instructor whose life flashes before her eyes after a home invasion attack. However, when Jess discovers she can manipulate these flashbacks and alter the past, she embarks on a mission to save her beloved from a bleak destiny. Curious to know if Jess succeeds? Here’s the lowdown on ‘Flashback’s’ ending. Beware, spoilers ahead!
Flashback: A Quick Recap
‘Flashback’ tells the tale of Jess, a yoga teacher who contemplates the possibility of altering our past. During a yoga session, Jess spots a peculiar figure observing her from afar. Later, she discusses this figure, whom she refers to as Dr. Bones, an urban legend from her childhood, with her best friend, Lily. However, Lily dismisses her concerns, and Jess heads home. Back at her apartment, Jess’ long-term boyfriend, Scott, is planning a proposal. Jess shares her encounter with Dr. Bones with Scott, who then broaches the subject of starting a family. Jess expresses her readiness to move forward with Scott, hinting at marriage and children.
Their idyllic life is shattered by a sudden noise in their apartment. Jess urges Scott to investigate, only to hear a gunshot moments later. Rushing to the scene, she finds Scott shot dead, and an intruder standing over his body, apologizing before shooting Jess too. As Jess dies, she sees Dr. Bones again, and her life flashes before her eyes. Seizing this opportunity, Jess decides to time travel and change her past to prevent Scott’s tragic death.
Flashback Finale: How Does Jess Save Scott?
After witnessing their premature deaths, Jess is desperate to change her past. Blaming herself for Scott’s death, she seeks to correct her mistake. As her life flashes before her eyes, she gains control over time by slowing her breath and managing her emotions. Consequently, Jess finds herself back in time on her thirteenth birthday. She looks for Scott at her birthday party and decides to reveal their future together. Jess tells Scott about their future loving relationship that ends with his death, and makes him promise never to date her to prevent his future demise.
As time runs out, the grim reaper-like Dr. Bones arrives to claim her soul. Scott sees the sinister figure, seemingly validating Jess’ claims. Eventually, Jess wakes up in the present day, going about her normal routine without Dr. Bones’ watchful eyes. Jess’ plan works, and she saves both their lives. However, she and Scott are no longer together due to her meddling with the past. Instead, Scott is happily married to Lily, and they have a baby. The film concludes as Jess decides to find her own happiness. Jess’ plan to save Scott’s life works, but at the cost of her own happiness. Thus, it explores the lengths one would go to save their loved ones, even if it means losing them. In the end, Jess realizes that the only way to avoid their deaths is never to start a relationship. As a result, Jess sacrifices her love, resulting in a poignant victory for the protagonist.
Who Are Jess and Scott’s Killers?
The deaths of Scott and Jess kick the narrative into high gear as Jess scrambles to prevent their impending doom. However, the circumstances and the perpetrator of their deaths remain shrouded in mystery even after the credits roll. From the brief glimpse we get of the intruder in Jess and Scott’s apartment, it’s clear that the individual is a burglar. Caught off guard by Scott’s presence, the intruder shoots him in a moment of panic, likely shooting Jess next to cover their tracks.
While the specifics of Jess and Scott’s deaths are unclear, it’s evident that the only way to avoid this fate is not to be together. Despite the lack of clear motive or coherence behind the murders, this event propels the narrative forward, sending Jess on a journey to find the strength to sacrifice her love to save his life. This event ties directly into the film’s ending, which sees a slightly changed Jess with a deeper understanding of life. The scant details about Jess and Scott’s murders underscore the tragedy of the situation and highlight the futility of trying to change the past without making a sacrifice.