1. There Is No Solution
This is the theory that I subscribe to; that Nolan purposely made the ending to be unsolvable. The reason there can be so many different theories with strong evidence is that Inception is constructed to be unable to point to one correct solution. This ties into the emotional message of the film. Cobb has confronted Mal in limbo and managed to deal with is demons. Theres no question in his mind about his reality; he was unable to distinguish before due to his inability to atone for what he did to Mal, which has now been dealt with. On emotional level, when the kids turn their heads around, Cobb sees their faces not because he is in reality, but he has decided to accept this world as the one he can stay in. This is why he doesnt wait to see the outcome of the top (which no matter whether its his or not, he believes in); hes reached a point of clarity. Why the top is shown, when our key entry point into the story has left it behind, is Nolan opening up this entire conversation. Not showing it would have been more in keeping with Cobb, but it would have left many disgruntled fans crying plot hole (which we know Nolan cynics are not above after The Dark Knight Rises). Showing it, but once again cutting the shot short leaves every audience member forced to question the what weve just watched. So ultimately, the ending is Nolan giving us an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the two key stories (Fischers Daddy issues and Cobbs children issues), then turning around and saying look deeper; opening up the film to the rabid fan discussion that made it a hit.
Like this article? Which ending do you agree with? Have a completely different theory of your own? Let us know in the comments section below.