The movie Eileen concludes with its titular character, played by Thomasin McKenzie, fleeing her oppressive small town after participating in a dramatic and morally ambiguous escape plot orchestrated by Rebecca (Anne Hathaway), the glamorous new psychologist at the prison where Eileen works. Eileen successfully helps Arthur escape, and subsequently boards a bus destined for a new life, leaving behind the darkness of her past and the unresolved mystery surrounding Rebecca’s true motivations.
Decoding the Climactic Escape and its Aftermath
Eileen, directed by William Oldroyd and based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel, builds a suffocating atmosphere of repression and longing. The ending, however, offers a jarring release, albeit one shrouded in ambiguity and moral complexity. While Eileen initially seems to be manipulated by Rebecca, the film deliberately keeps Rebecca’s true intentions murky, leaving the audience to question whether Eileen was merely a pawn or an active participant in her own liberation.
The final scenes are characterized by a frenetic energy. Eileen, driven by a mixture of infatuation, desperation, and perhaps a nascent sense of agency, aids Rebecca in her scheme. Arthur, the troubled young boy targeted by the prison’s corrupt warden, is crucial to the entire plot. The film never explicitly confirms whether Arthur is innocent, leaving a lingering discomfort. Eileen’s decision to help him escape, regardless of his guilt or innocence, marks a crucial turning point in her character arc.
After the chaotic escape and a tense confrontation, Eileen finds herself at a bus stop, clutching a suitcase and a newfound sense of freedom. The final shot shows her on the bus, gazing out the window, her face a mixture of trepidation and hope. The ending is intentionally open-ended, leaving the audience to speculate about Eileen’s future and the long-term consequences of her actions. She has broken free from her suffocating family life and the grim realities of her job, but she is also implicated in a dangerous and potentially illegal act.
Understanding the Ambiguity of Rebecca
Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Rebecca is captivating precisely because of its ambiguity. Throughout the film, the audience is never quite certain of her motives. Is she genuinely concerned about Arthur’s well-being? Is she using Eileen for her own purposes? Or is she simply driven by a desire for chaos and excitement?
Rebecca’s final line, spoken to Eileen just before the escape, is particularly enigmatic: “You’re free.” This statement can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could be a genuine expression of hope for Eileen’s future, or it could be a cynical manipulation designed to ensure Eileen’s continued compliance. The film deliberately avoids providing a definitive answer, leaving the audience to grapple with the moral complexities of Rebecca’s character.
Thematic Resonance of Eileen’s Escape
Eileen’s escape is not just a physical departure from her small town; it’s also a symbolic liberation from the constraints of her own self-imposed limitations. Throughout the film, Eileen is portrayed as a passive observer, trapped in a cycle of self-loathing and repressed desires. Her involvement in Rebecca’s scheme, however misguided, forces her to confront her own agency and take control of her life.
The film explores themes of female empowerment, albeit in a unconventional and morally ambiguous way. While Eileen’s actions may be questionable, they represent a rejection of the patriarchal structures that have confined her for so long. The ending, therefore, is not simply about escaping from a physical location; it’s about escaping from a state of mind. Eileen’s journey is a testament to the human capacity for change, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ending of Eileen
H3 Q1: Does Eileen ever find out Rebecca’s true motivations?
The movie deliberately avoids providing a definitive answer regarding Rebecca’s true motivations. The audience is left to interpret her actions and intentions based on her ambiguous behavior and cryptic statements. This ambiguity is a central element of the film’s thematic exploration of manipulation and deception. Whether Eileen ever truly understands Rebecca remains an open question.
H3 Q2: What happens to Arthur after the escape?
The film does not show what happens to Arthur after the escape. The focus shifts to Eileen’s journey and her departure from the town. The audience is left to imagine Arthur’s fate, which could range from successfully finding refuge to being recaptured by the authorities. His ambiguous situation adds another layer of moral complexity to the narrative.
H3 Q3: Is Eileen complicit in a crime?
Yes, Eileen is complicit in a crime. By actively participating in Arthur’s escape, she becomes an accessory to potentially kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and possibly other charges. The film explores the ethical implications of her actions and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
H3 Q4: Does Eileen’s father ever find out about her involvement?
The film doesn’t depict Eileen’s father finding out about her involvement in the escape. The ending focuses on Eileen’s escape and her departure, leaving the loose ends of her previous life unresolved. This contributes to the open-ended nature of the conclusion.
H3 Q5: What does the bus represent for Eileen?
The bus symbolizes freedom, escape, and the possibility of a new life. It represents a physical and metaphorical departure from the oppressive environment that has defined Eileen’s existence. The bus journey is a symbol of hope and uncertainty, as Eileen embarks on an unknown path.
H3 Q6: Is there any indication that Eileen and Rebecca will meet again?
The movie does not suggest that Eileen and Rebecca will meet again. The ending suggests that they are going their separate ways. The ambiguity of their relationship and the uncertainty of their future interactions are key elements of the film’s lasting impact.
H3 Q7: How does the movie ending differ from the book’s ending?
While both the movie and the book share the core elements of Eileen’s escape, there are subtle differences in their execution and emphasis. The book delves deeper into Eileen’s internal monologue and psychological state, while the movie relies more on visual storytelling and suggestive imagery. Some viewers may find the movie’s ending more ambiguous and open to interpretation than the book’s. It is important to note that Moshfegh co-wrote the screenplay, so the deviations are intentional.
H3 Q8: What is the significance of the Christmas setting?
The Christmas setting provides a stark contrast between the idealized image of holiday cheer and the grim reality of Eileen’s life. The juxtaposition highlights her isolation and longing for connection. The festive atmosphere serves as a backdrop for the events that lead to her eventual escape, emphasizing the transformative nature of her experience.
H3 Q9: How does the movie explore themes of mental health?
The movie subtly explores themes of mental health through Eileen’s character, who suffers from depression and feelings of isolation. The oppressive environment in which she lives exacerbates her mental state, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. The film doesn’t explicitly diagnose Eileen, but it portrays her struggles with empathy and sensitivity, hinting at underlying issues.
H3 Q10: What is the director’s interpretation of the ending?
William Oldroyd, the director, has stated in interviews that he wanted to leave the ending open to interpretation, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions about Eileen’s future. He emphasizes the importance of ambiguity and the exploration of morally complex characters.
H3 Q11: What kind of life can Eileen possibly have after escaping?
Eileen’s potential future is deliberately left ambiguous. She is fleeing with little money, no real plan, and complicit in a crime. Her future hinges on her resourcefulness, resilience, and ability to adapt to a new environment. While the ending offers a glimmer of hope, it also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead.
H3 Q12: How crucial is Rebecca to Eileen’s ultimate liberation?
Rebecca is undeniably crucial to Eileen’s liberation, albeit in a complicated way. She acts as a catalyst for Eileen’s transformation, challenging her passivity and forcing her to confront her own desires. Whether Rebecca is a benevolent force or a manipulative influence is a matter of interpretation, but her presence is undeniably transformative for Eileen.