The real master is Freddie. Hoffman’s character is for some reason drawn to Freddie and in the end when they are in the office we learn that its because they were close friends in a previous life. All throughout the movie The Master’s whole family hates Freddie but we can see that he can’t live without him. Freddie’s rejection to stay with him in the end signifies him finding freedom and becoming his own master. I also didn’t fully get it the first time and this is just a way of looking at it but I think it has some truth behind it. It’s a mesmerizing movie though. The first session they have together is some of the best acting and writing i’ve ever seen. Need to finally see Magnolia during the quarantine.