In the climax of the film, John Farley (played by Seann William Scott) confronts his former gym teacher, Mr. Woodcock (played by Billy Bob Thornton), at a school assembly, revealing Woodcock’s true nature to the audience.
Throughout the movie, John, a self-help author, returns to his hometown to find that his mother (played by Susan Sarandon) is dating his former gym teacher, Mr. Woodcock. John is determined to stop the relationship and expose Woodcock for the bully he was when John was a student.
In the final moments of the film, John interrupts a school assembly where Woodcock is being honored as “Educator of the Year.” John recounts the torment he endured at the hands of Woodcock, revealing embarrassing and humiliating incidents from his past.
As John’s accusations mount, the audience begins to turn against Woodcock, realizing the truth about his abusive behavior. Woodcock, feeling ashamed and defeated, attempts to defend himself but ultimately admits to his faults and apologizes to John.
The film ends with John and his mother reconciling, and John finding closure and healing from his past trauma. Woodcock, humbled by the experience, leaves the school assembly, presumably to reflect on his actions and seek redemption.
Through its humorous and heartwarming conclusion, “Mr. Woodcock” explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the importance of confronting one’s past in order to move forward.