‘Euphoria’ Finale, Colman Domingo Unpacks Ali’s ‘Christ-Like Moment’ And Grief After Rue’s Death

The final moments of Euphoria bring some shocking moments for the fans. However, it was ‘Rue’s’ demise after consuming fentanyl-laced Percocet that left everyone heartbroken. Nonetheless, while fans had seen it coming and yet felt torn, on screen, it was the case for ‘Ali’ (Colman Domingo), who went on a rampage post her death. And now, in a conversation with Variety, Domingo has reflected on exactly what went down behind the scenes. 

Colman Domingo reflects on ‘Ali’s’ ending in Euphoria

In the interview, Colman Domingo reflects on his character, ‘Ali’s’ ending in the finale. He revealed that ‘Ali’s’ ending was true to his character and praised the creator, Sam Levinson, for embracing an Old Testament approach, framing the season as a distinctly American story about morality, justice, and consequences. Domingo even expressed his appreciation for how the finale delved into ‘Ali’s’ darker side while staying consistent to his story.

Colman Domingo on playing grief without a breakdown

Colman Domingo further explained that ‘Ali’s’ restraint was intentional and reflected the loss he had experienced during military service and recovery. According to the actor, for ‘Ali’, the focus remained on uncovering the truth rather than breaking down. However, two months later, the subtle changes in his appearance and behaviour became the signal of his profound grief. He decided to tackle evil head-on and became determined to fight those responsible. Domingo added: 

“The sawed-off shotgun, putting on his army dress, saying goodbye to his old life: ‘I’m gonna have to right some wrongs, and it’s life or death, and I’m willing to die for it, because I’m not tethered to anything else.’ I think he believed that Rue was his last chance. If he could help her, he would feel redeemed for his own tragedies, faults and addiction. If he could do good with Rue, he felt like a better person.”

Was ‘Rue’ ‘Ali’s’ last chance for redemption?

When asked if ‘Ali’ saw ‘Rue’ as his last chance at redemption, Colman Domingo agreed and revealed that for him, ‘Rue’ became his daughter, and he started to invest himself in planning for ‘Rue’s’ future and aspirations. The actor revealed, for ‘Ali’ it was like, “Maybe I can be the man that I need to be with this young woman and help her live to her fullest potential. I can take this young person who’s struggling and make them better.”

Colman Domingo on the Christ-like imagery in ‘Ali’s’ mourning

Colman Domingo revealed that the imagery was intentional. He shared that ‘Rue’s’ body hadn’t been moved while he was trying to process everything. He reflected that there was nothing to be done and no one to be called, yet Sam wanted the anguish to be lethal yet quiet. He reflected on how it was all internal for ‘Ali’ and stated:

“When I walked up and put my arms up there, it felt right. It felt like on the cross. It felt like I did everything I was supposed to do. That image, in that moment, is when he turned into the other Ali. Into Martin. There are moments that I think are just divine. Working with Sam and Marcell, divine moments just start to happen. I looked at them like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s a Christ on the cross moment.’ He needed a moment of rest, and he stretched his arms out and lay his head down, and that was it.”

Inside ‘Ali’s’ darkest transformation after ‘Rue’s’ death

Colman Domingo further reflected on what happened to ‘Ali’ between the time period after ‘Rue’s’ death and ‘Ali’s’ last AA meeting. He shared how ‘Ali’ spent months wandering LA, searching for somewhere to put his grief. The contrast was undeniable: someone who once encouraged everyone to look for the greater good found himself shaken, isolated, and unable to process the loss. While not shown on screen, Domingo claimed that ‘Ali’ probably turned to alcohol, so by the time he spoke at the AA meeting, he had reevaluated everything, which to him justified his pursuit of vengeance.

PC: SIMovieCaps/YT

What are your thoughts on Colman Domingo’s revelations?

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