The film His Three Daughters, takes viewers through a deeply personal exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of relationships.

At the heart of the story are three estranged sisters—Katie, Christina, and Rachel—who come together as they face their father’s final days.

This emotionally charged story concerns their strained relationships, unspoken frustrations, and shared guilt.

But in the film’s quiet, somber ending, the sisters find a way to reconnect, symbolized through a simple yet profound children’s poem.

The Sisters’ Struggles

As Victor, their father, lies on his deathbed, his daughters are forced to confront their unresolved tensions.

Each sister copes differently with the impending loss: Katie, the oldest, carries guilt for not being present enough; Christina hides her anguish behind her seemingly perfect life, while Rachel struggles with her role as the primary caretaker.

Through heated arguments and awkward silences, the sisters slowly begin to understand each other’s pain.

Victor’s presence is felt even in his absence—his daughters’ discussions about him reveal their deep-seated misunderstandings and fears.

Ultimately, it’s not until Victor’s death that they come together to write his obituary, a final act that helps them bond over shared memories.

What Does the ‘5 Ducks Poem’ Signify?

The poignant 5 Ducks Poem, recited by Christina after their father’s passing, serves as a powerful metaphor. In this children’s poem, little ducklings slowly dwindle in number as they cross a hill.

The poem can be interpreted in different ways: it could symbolize the fear of outliving loved ones, or it could reflect the idea that children may leave home but always return in times of need.

For Christina, this poem represents how, despite their differences and lives apart, the sisters have come together in this moment of loss.

Their father’s love has brought them back to one another, even if only temporarily.

The poem’s bittersweet simplicity captures the essence of the sisters’ journey—through pain and grief, they’ve found love and connection.

The Final Scene

In His Three Daughters’ ending, Rachel is left alone in the family home, the house she inherited from Victor.

Despite their past conflicts, Katie finally accepts Rachel as a family, strengthening their bond.

Rachel’s choice to step outside and smoke, as her sister would have preferred, signifies a newfound understanding and closeness between the sisters.

Even though they are still struggling with their feelings, they have started to heal—just as their father wanted.

The love that held them apart has now brought them closer together, even in their shared sadness.