The film is about Henry’s struggle with the feeling of being disconnected from everything, even from the students he tries to help. A fan theory suggests that Henry’s deep detachment is not just from his job, but also a result of past trauma, maybe a failed relationship or a personal loss that never healed. What if Henry had been able to confront his past, would he have been able to connect more with his students?
A key moment happens when Henry, after a heart-to-heart with a troubled student, realizes how much of an impact he has had, even if he doesn’t always show it. This moment of connection shines a light on the power of human interaction, even in the most emotionally distant times.
Imagine a different ending where Henry finds the strength to rebuild his emotional connections, maybe even with his students, leading him to a life of meaning. Alternatively, a prequel could explore Henry’s earlier life, showing his experiences and relationships that led to his emotional detachment, giving deeper understanding to his behavior in Detachment.