In the third version, which resembles the first but with subtle differences, seven-year-old Evan encounters Kayleigh yet passes her by, choosing not to connect with her. But this time, after walking to the street corner, Evan turns back and follows Kayleigh towards her home. However, the story stops abruptly here — an open ending.
This ambiguous conclusion has ignited fervent discussion across online forums, with various interpretations circulating widely.
The most mainstream theory posits that this time, Evan doesn't go back in time via his journal to alter events; instead, he chooses to change the story in the present.
Perhaps Evan reported George to the authorities, exposing his crimes.
Or perhaps Evan warned George in some other way, saving Kayleigh and Tommy.
But no one knows what ripple effects Evan's actions might trigger, nor what ultimately becomes of Evan and Kayleigh.
Some argue this ending is "right" because the filmmakers finally addressed a major plot hole in the film: what happens to Evan's memory during his blackouts? Now, with Evan acting on memories outside those blackouts to alter the past, perhaps he can finally complete his mission.
Others feel this is absurd and foolish, believing that by breaking the time-travel rules outside of his journal, Evan has unleashed uncontrollable, irreparable consequences, putting everyone at the mercy of the unknown.
The open-ended conclusion has fueled an explosion of speculation, with endless lively discussions online.
In the fourth version, similar to the second, Evan is in college. This time, though, while he still keeps a journal, he chooses not to travel back in time.
One day, he unexpectedly runs into Kayleigh at a street corner. He pauses briefly, hesitating, but ultimately walks straight past her. Kayleigh also notices Evan, casting a curious, familiar glance before turning to walk away.
This ending, blending elements of both the first and second versions, is widely regarded as the most realistic yet brutal outcome.
Each character has grown up and realized they cannot change the past, nor are they capable of altering the present; they even hold a pessimistic view of the future. Instead of clinging to unrealistic dreams, it's better to focus on living in the present.
This sense of pessimism is also a heavy burden.
More importantly, past wounds remain unhealed, and the future remains bleak. Evan is now a college student, slowly resuming his life; meanwhile, Kayleigh, still a waitress, continues to languish in despair.
By contrast, the second version seems like a Hollywood-style happy ending.
Some argue that Evan and Kayleigh ultimately learn to make peace with themselves, abandoning the past to focus on their lives — a positive outcome.
However, this ending sparked protests and complaints, with viewers calling it too bleak and heartbreaking, even colder than the fifth version —
Because it's just too real!
As for the fifth version, it's the most widely shared ending: Evan strangles himself in his mother's womb with the umbilical cord.
The real tragedy in this version lies not in Evan's desperate decision to end everything but in the idea that his stillbirth might serve as the starting point for Jason's time-looping journey, leading to an endless cycle.
Never-ending.
Some consider the first version the most brutal ending, others feel the fourth is the saddest, while others regard the fifth as the ultimate challenge.
Some think the second version is dull, while others believe it's the ending most suited for a wide release, aligning with mainstream tastes.
Many, however, are thrilled by the endless possibilities left by the third version.
The discussions are unstoppable!
Even though the "anti-spoiler" faction despises such spoilers, they can't deny that the heated debates have piqued the curiosity of casual onlookers.
These bystanders, who weren't the target audience for The Butterfly Effect, have become interested due to the discussions, leading them to consider seeing the film.
Ultimately, they enter the theater, able to choose the ending that aligns with their own expectations.
This chain reaction is exactly how it works.
And most importantly, The Butterfly Effect has transcended its original audience.
At the same time, devoted fans and cinephiles have their own missions to complete.
Each ticket represents a different ending, and people proudly display their collection of endings, eagerly diving into discussions about details within the film.
After all, having watched it five times, they can recite the entire story backward.
Objectively, very few films can endure repeated viewings five times over, even cinema classics. How could The Butterfly Effect withstand such rigorous rewatching?
Many viewers admit they felt worn out by the third viewing, gritting their teeth to finish all five endings just to complete their collection.
"There's no need, really — five endings just aren't necessary," they say.
Yet it's precisely because of this uniqueness that the film has stirred up such waves, isn't it?
Moreover, the distinct meanings each ending holds are an extension of the film itself, representing The Butterfly Effect's ultimate breaking of the fourth wall. These endings are an essential part of the movie and deserve recognition.
Here's another detail: New Line Cinema was well aware that The Butterfly Effect might struggle to hold up under the test of five viewings, and that maintaining audience interest would be a new challenge.
Drawing inspiration from the premiere, New Line Cinema quickly responded with —
Ticket stubs.
New Line Cinema partnered with a few independent theaters to design ticket stubs, each styled according to a different ending. The stubs, collectible items for fans, became movie memorabilia.
As for larger theater chains, they showed little interest in this, but New Line Cinema still provided bookmarks designed by Ansen as viewing souvenirs, each styled to match a specific ending.
In 2003, a few film festivals might have offered such memorabilia, but for a mainstream release, this was unprecedented —
Cost.
The design, production, and shipping of these items all added to the budget.
For a mainstream release, these collectible costs amounted to a significant expense.
However, New Line Cinema, previously low-profile, suddenly saw a surge in attention, and in the film's second week of release, they expanded the collectibles' availability.
From online to offline, and back online again, a frenzy erupted.
Some even bought movie tickets solely to collect memorabilia without actually watching the film.
So, does this count as fan culture?
In 2003, it wasn't too serious and involved only a small group of fans. People generally viewed it with curiosity and wonder.
It was undoubtedly a good thing.
Undeniably, The Butterfly Effect had become the hottest topic in every alley and street corner.
(End of Chapter)