In the ending of "The Mist," the main character, David Drayton (played by Thomas Jane), experiences a profound and devastating moment of despair. After fighting through the horrors of the mist and encountering a series of traumatic events, David, along with a small group of survivors, comes to a tragic conclusion when they find themselves cornered by the monstrous creatures.
Seeing no way out and believing that all hope is lost, David decides to take a drastic action to spare the lives of his companions from being violently killed by the monsters. He uses a gun to kill the other survivors (including his own son) to prevent them from facing a worse fate. However, his intentions are turned to utter horror when he realizes that the military has arrived and is clearing out the mist, effectively saving the very people he has just killed.
David's scream at the end is one of pure anguish and despair. It reflects his realization that he has committed an irreversible act of violence against his loved ones, and he is left alone in a world that has turned bleak and tragic. This ending is particularly impactful because it highlights the themes of hopelessness, the fragility of human life, and the moral dilemmas faced in desperate situations. It also serves as a stark contrast to the potential salvation that was just within reach.
The ending of "The Mist" is one of the film's most discussed aspects, known for its bleakness and emotional weight. This conclusion deviates from the novella and is closely associated with Frank Darabont's vision for the film. If you have more questions or topics you'd like to discuss, feel free to ask!