So does it improve it?

This article containsDear Evan Hansenspoilers, both for the movie and the stage show.

Yet howDear Evan Hansengets to that moment in the movie is drastically different from the stage musical.

Ben Platt and Kaitlyn Dever in Dear Evan Hansen Ending

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But is the new ending an actual improvement?

The musical is thus a rising crescendo that builds as Evan climbs higher and higher off his mistruths.

So the inevitable moment where his house of cards comes crashing down is the narratives real climax.

Rachel Zegler in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story Remake

And yet, in the original version ofDear Evan Hansen, the story more or less ends right there.

Shell never walk away.

And, rather incredulously, Zoe absolves Evan and the audience of any guilt.

Captain America the Musical in Hawkeye

She says, Everybody needed [the lie] for something.

She even goes so far to say it saved my parents.

It brought her family closer together.

Evan even finds footage of Connor playing his guitar, a feat he hid from his parents.

Hes finally given them something true that they didnt know about their son.

Does It Improve Evan Hansen and the Story?

Some might even say it manipulates.

Go ahead now, I wont mind.

TheDear Evan Hansenmovie tries to wipe even this thorniness away.

He then puts in the work to help the Murphys, beginning by admitting to the world his dishonesty.

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Yet I would argue it doesnt actually improve the fundamental issues with the musical.

In 2021, Evan and his creators make the choice that he can admit his mistakes.

Yet the story still attempts to justify Evans actions, which ironically puts the film at odds with itself.

But what do I know?

My instincts wouldnt have turned this into a Broadway anthem for Generation Z.

So how about yourself?

Do you like the new ending toDear Evan Hansen?