This article discusses the ending of the Netflix film Dance of the 41, so it will contain major spoilers.
They say the incident of the Dance of 41 “invented” homosexuality, though all it did was shine a light on the issue. Nevertheless, it’s an absorbing study of the two leads—both being trapped by social norms and living miserable, tragic lives for nothing more than biology.
Netflix’s Dance of the 41- the ending explained
Dance of the Forty-One (El baile de los 41) is based on the true story of Ignacio de la Torre (Alfonso Herrera), a congressman at the end of the 19th century who married the daughter of the president of Mexico, Porfirio Díaz (Fernando Becerril). He uses Amanda as his beard to lead a double life. One, as a rise to prominence as a political figure. The other, living out a secret life as a gay man during a time that could get you jailed or executed. When Ignacio is not trying to improve the lives of Mexico’s citizens through public service, he spends most of his nights in a secret society of homosexual men in the country’s capital.
The film’s title refers to an illegal raid by the President’s armed guard. 41 gay men, 19 of them dressed as women, were arrested. These men were berated, humiliated, and shipped off to prisons to atone for their sins for being homosexuals. The problem was there were 42, and politics is power, so President Diaz took Ignacio off the list. The film ends with Ignacio as the only member left and a shot of him at the dinner table with his scorned wife, with tears in his eyes.
What happens next?
Ignacio is trapped by his country’s social norms and religious morals. While many viewed him as also a complex figure, mainly because he did use President Díaz’s daughter as a beard and for his political gain. Though, he was a product of his time. He had to live in hiding of not just shame but physical harm. Amada was also a product of her time and a political animal. Take the scene where she tries to “rid” him of his sins. It’s a period and culture steeped in religious values.
After Ignacio and his society are discovered, he is pulled from the group to prevent a scandal for Diaz’s office. He is the only one left and now is a prisoner in his own home, with his wife now the warden. Now, with tears in his eyes, the metaphorical jail cell has been closed, and the key tossed away. He can no longer live the life he wanted, even in secret, or be with the man he loved.
What do you think of the ending of Dance of the 41? Comment below with your interpretations and opinions.
