Hell Or High Water ending explained: What happens to Toby and Marcus?

Hell Or High Water is a film that explores a portrayal of how our actions can lead to devastating consequences. This crime drama infuses the elements of a neo-Western setting and is directed by David Mackenzie with a script from Taylor Sheridan.

As per Letterboxd, here's the official synopsis:

A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family’s farm in West Texas.

Released on August 26, 2016, after a Cannes film festival premiere, Hell or High Water earned $37.9 million at the box office and was also a critical success. Here's an examination of its ending.

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What is the plot of Hell Or High Water?

Hell Or High Water takes place in the western part of Texas and revolves around Tanner Howard and Toby Howard, who are brothers. The duo's mother passes away after a long illness, this leaves them with a ranch that is under debt. Both of them go out and perform several bank robberies in the region to lead a nice life. They are chased by Marcus Hamilton and Alberto Parker, who are Texas Rangers.

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How does Hell Or High Water end?

Towards the end of Hell Or High Water, Tanner and Toby rob a bank for one last time, after which they go separate ways. Tanner plans to use the money to get back his mother's ranch. But Toby gets involved in a shootout with the rangers and gets injured in the process.

In the gun fight, Alberto also ends up dying. Tanner's decision to confront the law enforcement was done so that Toby could get time to escape. However, some moments hint at Toby wanting to get shot as he might have robbed again. Towards the end, Marcus ends up shooting him in the head.

Despite the chances of Marcus dying and him being on the verge of retirement, he survives the shootout. One can draw similarities between the rangers and the two brothers. In both their teams, one dies while the other survives. The last moments these two dying characters shared were also very different from each other.

The main motivation behind Toby and Tanner to go on a robbery spree is to get back their mother's house. After the carnage, Toby manages to get back the house and the rights to oil on his property. We see him going to a casino with the money to launder it and make it usable. He also puts everything in his son's name, securing their future. We also see Marcus paying a visit to Toby at the latter's house. This provides an interesting drama since Marcus had been chasing the two brothers for a while.

Marcus showcases a pistol and tells Toby that he can shoot him. The viewers are left with the possibility of both of them shooting one another, but nothing is shown. Toby makes it clear that even if he dies, his children will lead a peaceful life away from poverty. Meanwhile, Marcus has lost his friend and is about to retire.

The film overall touches upon different kinds of themes, like how far a person can go to secure their children's future. The makers also question the banking system of the United States.

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