As they near the Mexican border, Louise pulls over to take a look at the sun rising over the desert while Thelma sleeps. Sunrises typically signify new beginnings and hope. Thelma gets up to ask Louise what's going on, and Louise smiles before she turns around. It's clear here Louise is feeling the impact of her 180-ed life and is feeling hopeful for the future, despite the circumstances.

Is she right? Wrong? Does the tragic ending nullify what Louise is feeling, or does it uphold it in some way?