The theatrical ending of I Am Legend (2007) portrays Robert Neville as a self-sacrificing hero who ensures the survival of two other immune humans and a cure for the virus. However, the alternate ending offers a more nuanced understanding of the infected. Instead of mindless monsters, they are revealed to possess a social structure and emotional capacity, demonstrated by their leader’s grief over the loss of his mate (captured by Neville for experimentation). This ending recognizes the infected not just as a threat, but as another group vying for survival in a radically changed world.
This shift in perspective provides a powerful commentary on the nature of fear and othering. The theatrical ending reinforces a simplistic us-vs-them narrative, while the alternate ending challenges audiences to consider the ethical implications of Neville’s actions. By acknowledging the infected’s sentience, it questions the legitimacy of Neville’s claim to sole survivorship and forces reflection on the definition of humanity in a post-apocalyptic context. This resonates with historical examples of dehumanization used to justify violence and oppression, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding even in the face of perceived threats.