“What Comes Around,” a tense thriller exploring themes of manipulation, grooming, and the complexities of familial relationships, concludes with a gut-wrenching realization: Jasmin (Summer Phoenix) isn’t merely a naive victim, but actively complicit in the cycle of abuse perpetuated by her father, Rick (Grace Van Patten). While seeming to be rescued, she’s, in fact, poised to repeat the pattern with her future husband, continuing a disturbing legacy.
The Heart of the Matter: Jasmin’s Role and the Ending Explained
The film’s ending hinges on the unsettling truth that Jasmin is not solely a victim. While Rick’s actions are undeniably abhorrent and reprehensible, Jasmin’s deliberate choice to marry someone significantly younger, mirroring her own experience with Rick, signifies a conscious, albeit potentially unconscious, repetition of the trauma. The final scene, depicting her wedding and subtle expressions, suggests an acceptance and perpetuation of the power dynamic she supposedly escaped.
The narrative cleverly manipulates the audience, initially portraying Jasmin as a victim desperately seeking escape from her predatory father. However, the gradual reveal of her knowing participation, culminating in her marriage, paints a far more nuanced and disturbing picture. The “rescue” portrayed earlier is, in reality, a façade concealing a deeper, more insidious truth: Jasmin is continuing the cycle. This challenges the audience to confront the uncomfortable reality of complex trauma responses and the potential for victims to, unfortunately, become perpetrators.
The title itself, “What Comes Around,” serves as a chilling commentary on the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the enduring consequences of abuse. It’s a stark reminder that escaping a toxic environment doesn’t necessarily break the cycle; understanding and actively resisting the patterns is crucial to preventing their continuation. The film leaves the viewer deeply unsettled, questioning the nature of victimhood, the complexities of family dynamics, and the profound impact of trauma on individual choices. The apparent happy ending is a cruel trick, revealing a bleak and unsettling future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Jasmin genuinely in love with Rick, or was she manipulated?
It’s crucial to understand that grooming is inherently manipulative. While Jasmin may have developed genuine feelings for Rick, these feelings were cultivated and exploited by him. He strategically isolated her, preyed on her vulnerabilities, and created a false sense of intimacy to gain control. It’s highly unlikely that true, informed consent was ever present. The power imbalance inherently invalidates the possibility of authentic love. Her later actions don’t negate the initial manipulation, but rather illustrate the complex and potentially distorted ways trauma can manifest.
2. Why does Jasmin choose to marry someone so much younger than her?
Jasmin’s decision to marry a younger man is a direct mirroring of her relationship with Rick. This reflects a potential compulsion to recreate familiar patterns, even if those patterns are deeply unhealthy. The age difference replicates the power imbalance and control dynamic she experienced with her father, suggesting an unconscious desire to maintain a similar dynamic in her own relationships. It’s a tragic example of how trauma can distort one’s understanding of healthy relationships.
3. Is Rick solely responsible for what happened, or does Jasmin bear some responsibility?
Rick is undoubtedly the primary perpetrator of abuse, and his actions are inexcusable. However, the film doesn’t entirely absolve Jasmin of responsibility. While she was undoubtedly a victim, her later choices, particularly her marriage, suggest a level of complicity and perpetuation of the cycle of abuse. This isn’t about blaming the victim but acknowledging the complex and sometimes destructive ways trauma can manifest.
4. What does the ending imply about the future of Jasmin’s marriage?
The ending implies that Jasmin’s marriage will likely be characterized by the same power imbalances and control dynamics she experienced with her father. The groom’s youth and relative inexperience make him vulnerable to manipulation, mirroring Jasmin’s own past. The film suggests that without intervention or self-awareness, Jasmin’s marriage is destined to replicate the unhealthy patterns of her relationship with Rick.
5. How does “What Comes Around” differ from other films about grooming?
“What Comes Around” distinguishes itself by delving into the long-term consequences of grooming and exploring the potential for victims to perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Many films focus solely on the initial abuse and the victim’s escape. This film goes further, examining how trauma can shape future relationships and the unsettling possibility of victims becoming perpetrators.
6. What is the significance of the film’s title, “What Comes Around”?
The title is a direct reference to the cyclical nature of abuse and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. It implies that past actions have consequences, and without intervention, unhealthy patterns will continue to repeat themselves. It highlights the importance of breaking the cycle and confronting the root causes of abuse to prevent its perpetuation.
7. Is Jasmin aware of the implications of her actions at the end of the film?
The film deliberately leaves this ambiguous. It’s possible that Jasmin is consciously aware of replicating the pattern of abuse. However, it’s equally plausible that she’s acting unconsciously, driven by deeply ingrained trauma responses and a distorted understanding of healthy relationships. The ambiguity adds to the film’s unsettling nature and forces the audience to confront the complexities of trauma.
8. What support resources are available for victims of grooming and abuse?
If you or someone you know has experienced grooming or abuse, several resources are available. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) provides confidential support at 1-800-656-HOPE. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers assistance at 1-800-799-SAFE. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.
9. How can viewers better understand the complexities of grooming and abuse?
Educating yourself about grooming and abuse is crucial. Learning about the tactics groomers use, the power dynamics involved, and the long-term impact of trauma can help you recognize and prevent these situations. Look for resources from reputable organizations like RAINN, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and local support groups. Knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing abuse.
10. Does the film suggest that victims of abuse are destined to become abusers themselves?
No, “What Comes Around” does not suggest that victims are inherently destined to become abusers. However, it highlights the risk of perpetuating the cycle of abuse if the underlying trauma is not addressed. Therapy, support groups, and self-awareness are crucial for breaking free from these patterns and building healthy relationships. Healing is possible, and breaking the cycle is achievable.
11. What role does the setting of the film, with its isolated location, play in the narrative?
The isolated setting amplifies the feeling of vulnerability and entrapment experienced by Jasmin. It also highlights the lack of external support and oversight, making it easier for Rick to manipulate and control her. The isolation contributes to the claustrophobic atmosphere of the film and emphasizes the insidious nature of grooming.
12. What is the film trying to say about the nature of evil?
The film doesn’t necessarily portray Rick as inherently evil, but rather as someone who has internalized and perpetuated a harmful pattern of behavior. It explores the idea that evil can be systemic and perpetuated across generations, rather than simply residing in individual actors. It challenges viewers to consider the broader societal factors that contribute to abuse and the importance of addressing these issues to prevent future harm. The chilling takeaway is that unchecked, trauma and its associated behaviors can continue to fester and manifest in new, equally damaging ways.