The film's use of biblical and mythological references adds depth and complexity to its themes, drawing parallels between the story of Shinji and the story of humanity. The concept of the "Human Instrumentality Project," a mysterious plan to merge all human souls into a single entity, serves as a metaphor for the search for unity and connection in a seemingly fragmented world.
Shinji, watching the destruction, falls into a deep despair. Gendo Ikari, his father, attempts to merge the Adam embryo in his hand with Lilith (in Terminal Dogma) to initiate Third Impact on his own terms. However, Rei Ayanami, the vessel for Lilith’s soul, betrays him. She absorbs Adam and returns to Lilith, transforming into a giant, spectral figure. She offers the fate of the world to Shinji. neon genesis evangelion the end of evangelion -1997-