Why Is Avengers: Endgame So Confusing?

Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019, was one of the most anticipated and discussed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While it was a massive success both commercially and critically, many viewers found it confusing due to its complex storyline, multiple timelines, and extensive references to previous films. Let’s break down why this film, while epic, can leave even devoted fans scratching their heads.

ENDGAME – Time Travel and Multiple Timelines

One of the primary reasons Endgame is so confusing is its use of time travel. Time travel is a tricky narrative device, and in Endgame, it’s even more complicated because the Avengers are traveling to different points in the past to collect the Infinity Stones. This introduces the concept of multiple timelines. According to the film’s logic, changes to the past create new alternate realities rather than altering the present. As a viewer, keeping track of where and when each character is can be daunting.

Huzefa Imran, who studied the MCU storyline in detail, explains:

“They travel back into different times to collect the stones. They get the stones and come back into the normal timeline BUT the 9 years younger Thanos also creeps into the present timeline.” This sudden shift in timelines, with both present and past versions of characters like Thanos, complicates the story. It’s easy to lose track of which timeline we’re in and how events are connected.

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The Ensemble Cast and Character Arcs

Another reason Endgame feels overwhelming is its enormous cast of characters. The film brings together nearly every major superhero from the MCU, which can be confusing for viewers who aren’t well-versed in the backstories of each hero. As David Mullich, a film enthusiast, pointed out:

“Having seen the film myself, I would say that #3 (not understanding the film) is the most likely explanation… other than a few details that remain fuzzy but were not important to the main goals of the storytelling.”

For those who aren’t die-hard fans, remembering the intricate character arcs of heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and others from the previous 21 films can be difficult. Every major character has their own backstory and motivations, and Endgame revisits many of these, requiring viewers to juggle a lot of information.

Nostalgia and Fan Service

The film is packed with nostalgic moments and fan service, especially in the final act. Jason Monday, a former teacher, noted that Endgame:

“Tried to jam every single character, prop, and extra from every single Marvel movie made in the last 100 years into the last 20 minutes of the film.”

This avalanche of characters and references can be exhilarating for die-hard fans but utterly bewildering for casual viewers. If you haven’t watched all the films or read the comics, you may not fully grasp the significance of certain moments, making the film harder to follow.

Marvel’s Avengers Game Confusing Beginnings or Missed Story Points Everything You Need to Know (3)

Complex Character Resolutions

The resolutions for key characters like Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Steve Rogers (Captain America) are emotional and significant but can also be confusing. Tony Stark’s sacrifice is one of the most pivotal moments in the film. As Huzefa Imran describes:

“Tony Stark manages to grab the stones off Thanos and snap his fingers after saying, ‘I… am… Ironman.’ Thanos and his army are wiped out of existence, the universe is safe, and the Avengers win.”

But Tony’s death, along with Steve Rogers’ decision to stay in the past and age naturally, can raise questions about the film’s rules of time travel and how they impact the larger MCU.

Connecting Everything Together: Time Machines, Gauntlets, and Battles

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The film’s structure involves various moving parts, from time machines to battles against Thanos. The Avengers’ mission is to collect the Infinity Stones from the past using a time machine designed by Tony Stark. However, this is further complicated when Thanos from an alternate timeline also enters the present. The final battle, featuring dozens of heroes fighting Thanos and his army, is visually stunning but chaotic. Understanding who is doing what at any given time is tricky due to the sheer number of characters and action sequences.

As Jason Monday observed, Endgame was:

“The most over-the-top display of fan service that I’ve ever witnessed.”

While it certainly delivered a satisfying conclusion for many fans, the film’s scope and scale make it easy for viewers to get lost in the details.

However – Avengers: Endgame

In short, Avengers: Endgame is a dense, emotional, and complex film that weaves together more than a decade’s worth of storytelling. Its reliance on time travel, alternate timelines, an enormous cast, and heavy fan service can make it difficult to follow. However, for those who are familiar with the MCU and willing to embrace the chaos, Endgame delivers a grand conclusion to the Infinity Saga.

Ultimately, if the film left you confused, it may be worth revisiting the previous MCU films or reading summaries to fully appreciate the intricate narrative threads that come together in this monumental film.

For more in-depth information on Avengers: Endgame and the complexities of time travel in the MCU, check out authoritative sites like FilmSchoolRejects and Polygon, where experts break down the movie’s confusing aspects.