The Silence of the Lambs is infamous for its gritty protagonist, her ruthless foil, and their chilling ending. The 1991 film by Jonathan Demme follows Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who works with notorious cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to try to stop the serial killer Buffalo Bill. Hannibal is inspired by real-life killers, though many often forget that he is not the main villain of the film. The killer, Buffalo Bill, is hunting down women to make his own skin suit. Though Clarice and Hannibal are an unlikely pairing, deep down, they respect each other, even when Hannibal is no longer safe behind bars by the film’s ending.

The mind-bending thriller gained notoriety for its performances and compelling characters. The Silence of the Lambs won multiple Academy Awards the year it was released, including Anthony Perkins for Best Lead Actor, Jodie Foster for Best Lead Actress, and Best Picture, among others. Since then, The Silence of the Lambs has been quoted and referenced many times in other media. Despite its popularity and influence, Silence of the Lambs‘ ending leaves audiences with a few questions about the characters’ fates.

What Happens In Silence Of The Lambs’ Ending

In the last act of The Silence of the Lambs, the FBI believes they have located Buffalo Bill in Chicago and rush to catch him. They instruct Clarice to remain in Ohio, where she continues interviewing people connected to the first victim. This task leads her to Buffalo Bill’s home, where he invites her in and asks some questions about the case. Once Clarice realizes where she is, a chase ensues, with Buffalo Bill leading her down into his basement workshop. After the lights go out, Buffalo Bill dons night vision glasses and follows Clarice, though the sound of his cocking gun gives away his position, leading Clarice to shoot and kill him.

Hannibal has moved on to another familiar target, and the film’s last shot is of him stalking his new victim, once again a free man.

After stopping Buffalo Bill, she graduates from the academy, earning the title of special agent. Her superior, Crawford, shakes her hand, suggesting he will hire her to work in the behavior science unit, which she expresses is her dream job. Also, at the ceremony, Hannibal calls Clarice to check in with her after his escape earlier in the movie. His phone call proves that he knows exactly where she is and what she’s doing, but he assures Clarice he won’t come after her. Hannibal has moved on to another familiar target, and the film’s last shot is of him stalking his new victim, Dr. Chilton, once again a free man.

What Does The “Silence Of The Lambs” Mean?

It’s A Reference To The Silencing Of Literal Lambs From Clarice’s Childhood

The titular silence of the lambs refers to lambs from Clarice’s childhood, whose bleating still haunts her as an adult. They’re a symbol of Clarice’s desire to stop the suffering of others, just as she tried to help the lambs who were being slaughtered on her family’s farm. In an ill-advised confession to Hannibal, Clarice admits she tried to run away and save one of the lambs but was stopped and the lamb killed. To silence the lambs would mean Clarice would stop feeling the sympathetic pull of others and be able to make decisions for herself.

The lambs are a metaphor for the innocent victims Clarice encounters in the case. They’re helpless creatures who have strayed and are now in danger, needing Clarice’s help. It is clear she will do anything to help save these victims, even if it means putting herself in danger. For example, she runs after Buffalo Bill in his house and immediately tries to help and protect Catherine before even considering calling for backup and seeking help for herself. While this is an admirable trait, Clarice’s empathy and job choice mean she will likely never be able to silence the cries of any metaphorical lambs in her life.

What Does The Moth Symbolize?

The Moth Means Transformation

Culturally, moths have many meanings, such as unseen destruction and the seeking of light. While these are both possible readings of the inclusion of moths in Silence of the Lambs, they more obviously represent change and growth. This symbolism is evidenced in Buffalo Bill’s obsession with them, specifically the Death’s Head Hawkmoth, as he also tries to undergo a transformation. Just as a pupa will evolve into a more beautiful bug, Buffalo Bill clearly hopes to feel more comfortable after completing his woman skin suit. He leaves the cocoons in the victims’ throats to represent the journey he feels he is undertaking.

The Death’s Head Hawkmoth image is shown on the film’s poster, becoming synonymous with the film.

The specificity of the moth helps the FBI to identify Buffalo Bill after linking an order of the Death’s Head Hawkmoth to his real name, Jame Gumb. The moth’s name comes from the pattern on its back, which resembles a human skull. It literally comes to represent death, and Buffalo Bill leaves his victims with that symbol, even after they have passed. Even his methods of violence are derivative of the moth, cutting sewing patterns out of one victim’s back in a diamond shape reminiscent of wings.

How Did Clarice Find The Real Buffalo Bill?

She Followed Hannibal’s Clues To The Killer

Following Hannibal’s clues about where Buffalo Bill might have found his first victim, Frederica, Clarice goes to Belvedere, Ohio, to talk to people who knew her. Frederica’s friend says that they used to sew with Mrs. Lippman and gives Clarice the address. Unknowingly, this is now the address of Buffalo Bill, and the reveal is a masterpiece in suspenseful editing, mirroring the rest of the FBI’s arrival in Chicago. Clarice enters Buffalo Bill’s house without realizing where she is, but upon seeing a moth and some other suspicious items, she quickly pulls her gun on him.

Like most revelations in the movie, Clarice is led there by Hannibal’s guidance. Clearly, Hannibal knew that Buffalo Bill was in Belvedere, which is why he gave Clarice clues suggesting that she might want to look there. Just as intentionally, he gives misleading clues to the FBI, knowing it will slow them down. He knew where he was sending both parties in the final act. It can be argued that Hannibal did this to make Clarice stand out as an agent, helping her earn a promotion, but it could also be that she was the only one he cared for enough to help.

Why Does Hannibal Like Clarice So Much & Why Does He Promise To Spare Her?

He Respects Her Wit And Tact

Hannibal clearly appreciates Clarice as an intellectual rival. Though Hannibal knows he is an intellectual, he also trusts that Clarice will be able to solve the riddles he gives her, helping lead her to Buffalo Bill. He sees that she is young and still in training, so he doesn’t consider her a threat to his own safety; instead, he sees her as a fun new person to spar with. Hannibal’s many quotable lines only offer her the smallest of clues to ensure she will return to him when she has solved them, seeking her company.

Some viewers also speculate that he likes her more after hearing about her goodness and pure intentions. He appreciates her vulnerability and bravery, especially in contrast with the medical professionals at the facility who treat him like an animal. She also reveals that her motivation is always to help the innocent, which Hannibal seems to respect in his own way. He clearly has some morals and values, such as when he punishes another patient for being vile to Clarice, saying, “Discourtesy is unspeakably ugly to me.“

Their amiability is best exemplified by Hannibal’s call to Clarice at the film’s end. He wouldn’t have done so if he didn’t respect her at least a little bit. He also promises that he will not seek her out, but they both know eventually, she might seek him again, looking to put him back in confinement. This connection excites him, as he calls her to give her some insight into his plans, teasing her with his omnipresence in her life. He sees Clarice’s potential return to his life as a challenge that he looks forward to, telling her, “The world’s more interesting with you in it.”

Who Is Hannibal Meeting In The Last Scene, And Where Is He?

He Hints That He Is Going To Kill Dr. Chilton

When Hannibal calls Clarice, he tells her not to try to trace the call as he won’t be on for very long. Coyly, he tells her he’s having an old friend for dinner. While this is a common expression, it’s clear Hannibal means it literally. Since he doesn’t tell Clarice where he is, she has no way to know what he’s doing or who his next victim will be. However, it is revealed to the audience that Hannibal is hungrily watching as Dr. Chilton from the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane gets off a small plane.

Hannibal’s final destination is never revealed. Though some speculate it is Florence, as Hannibal and Clarice discussed the location, the setting doesn’t look much like an Italian city. The scene was shot at the Bimini airport in the Bahamas, which looks more likely than Florence. It is unclear how Hannibal knew Chilton would be in the Bahamas and how he himself got there.

The Real Meaning Of The Silence Of The Lambs’ Ending

Clarice’s Fight With Hannibal Isn’t Over

Silence of the Lambs‘ ending focuses on Clarice’s battle against evil. Though she was able to find and kill Buffalo Bill, saving Catherine Martin, her work isn’t done. Hannibal’s final phone call reminds her that he’s still out there killing people. Though he promises not to kill her, they both know their paths will likely cross again when she has to track him down. Their call is brief but clearly shakes Clarice, though Hannibal seems unphased. The final shot of Silence of the Lambs’ is also intended to make the audience feel uneasy, knowing that Hannibal is free, reminding viewers of the ongoing and neverending struggle against evil.