Goat

Main Plot

Goat follows the story of two brothers, one of whom is a college freshman eager to join a fraternity. The film explores the intense and often brutal world of fraternity hazing as the younger brother navigates the challenges of fitting in and proving himself to his peers. As he undergoes a series of increasingly harsh initiation rituals, the film delves into themes of masculinity, brotherhood, and the psychological toll of such experiences. The older brother, who has his own struggles with the fraternity culture, tries to protect his sibling while grappling with the pressures of loyalty and tradition. The narrative captures the tension between the desire for acceptance and the harsh realities of fraternity life, ultimately highlighting the impact of toxic masculinity on relationships and personal identity.

Characters

• Ben Schnetzer plays Brad Land, a college freshman who undergoes brutal hazing rituals while pledging a fraternity, exploring themes of brotherhood and trauma.
• Nick Jonas plays Brett Land, the older brother of the protagonist, who is deeply involved in the fraternity culture and influences his brother's decisions.
• Gus Halper plays Brett Land, a fraternity member who influences his younger brother, Brad, to join the fraternity, leading to intense hazing and questioning of their values.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Goat, the intense and often brutal initiation rituals of a fraternity culminate in a harrowing climax that underscores the film's exploration of masculinity and brotherhood. After enduring a series of humiliating and violent challenges, the protagonist, Brad, finds himself at a breaking point. The final scenes depict a particularly extreme hazing event that pushes the limits of physical and psychological endurance. As the fraternity brothers engage in increasingly aggressive behavior, the atmosphere becomes charged with tension and fear. Brad's struggle to fit in and prove himself leads to a confrontation that reveals the toxic nature of the fraternity culture. Ultimately, the film concludes with Brad's realization that the bonds formed through such violence are superficial and damaging. He begins to see the futility of the rituals and the cost of conformity to a harmful ideal of masculinity. The ending serves as a powerful commentary on the pressures young men face to prove their worth through aggression and loyalty, highlighting the emotional scars left by such experiences. Brad's journey reflects a broader critique of fraternity life and the often destructive pursuit of acceptance within a hyper-masculine environment.