The Complex and Divisive Ending of *Adore*
The 2013 film Adore, directed by Anne Fontaine and based on Doris Lessing’s novella The Grandmothers, is a provocative exploration of taboo relationships, societal norms, and the complexities of human desire. The ending, however, has left audiences polarized, sparking debates about its meaning, morality, and emotional resolution. This analysis delves into the film’s conclusion, unpacking its thematic layers, character arcs, and the broader implications of its controversial narrative.
The Final Moments: A Quiet Yet Profound Resolution
The ending of Adore is marked by its understated nature, eschewing dramatic confrontation for a quieter, more introspective resolution. After years of secret relationships between two lifelong friends, Roz (Robin Wright) and Lil (Naomi Watts), and each other’s sons, Tom (James Frecheville) and Ian (Xavier Samuel), the narrative reaches a turning point. Roz, grappling with the consequences of her choices, decides to end her relationship with Ian, while Lil and Tom’s connection begins to unravel under the weight of societal judgment and personal guilt.
The film concludes with Roz and Lil reuniting on the beach, their sanctuary throughout the story. The scene is poignant yet ambiguous: they share a tender moment, but their expressions are tinged with sadness and resignation. The camera lingers on the vast ocean, a metaphor for the unspoken emotions and unresolved questions that define their lives.
Themes Explored in the Ending
1. The Cost of Taboo Relationships
The ending underscores the emotional and psychological toll of Roz and Lil’s choices. While their relationships with Tom and Ian begin as acts of liberation, they ultimately lead to isolation and guilt. Roz’s decision to end her relationship with Ian symbolizes her recognition of the harm caused, while Lil’s inability to let go of Tom highlights her deeper emotional dependency.
2. The Passage of Time and Its Impact
The ending is deeply intertwined with the theme of time. The film spans several years, and the characters’ aging—both physically and emotionally—is palpable. Roz’s realization that their relationships are unsustainable is a testament to the inevitability of change. The beach, a recurring motif, serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the constancy of nature in contrast to human turmoil.
3. The Ambiguity of Happiness
One of the most striking aspects of the ending is its refusal to define happiness. Roz and Lil’s final moment together is bittersweet—a mix of love, regret, and acceptance. The film suggests that happiness is not a static state but a complex, ever-evolving experience shaped by our choices and their consequences.
Character Arcs and Their Resolution
Roz: The Pragmatist
Roz’s journey is one of self-awareness and accountability. Her decision to end her relationship with Ian is a pivotal moment of growth, signaling her acceptance of the boundaries that define healthy relationships. Her final embrace with Lil is a silent acknowledgment of their shared experience and the unbreakable bond between them.
Lil: The Romantic
Lil’s arc is more tragic. Her inability to let go of Tom reflects her deeper emotional fragility and dependence on the relationship for validation. Her final expression—a mix of longing and despair—suggests that she remains trapped in a cycle of desire and guilt.
The Broader Implications: Society’s Judgment vs. Personal Freedom
The ending of Adore forces viewers to confront the tension between societal norms and personal freedom. While the film does not condone the characters’ choices, it also refuses to condemn them outright. Instead, it invites audiences to question the rigid structures that dictate relationships and morality.
“*Adore* is not a story of right or wrong, but of human complexity and the messy, often painful, pursuit of happiness.”
Audience Reactions and Interpretations
The ending of Adore has sparked intense debate among viewers. Some criticize it for romanticizing inappropriate relationships, while others praise its nuanced portrayal of desire and consequence. The film’s ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations, making it a rich subject for discussion.
Is the ending of *Adore* morally justifiable?
+The ending does not seek to justify the characters’ actions morally. Instead, it focuses on the emotional and psychological consequences of their choices, leaving moral judgment to the audience.
What does the beach symbolize in the ending?
+The beach serves as a recurring symbol of freedom, introspection, and the passage of time. In the ending, it represents the characters’ return to a place of emotional truth, even as their lives remain unresolved.
Why does Roz end her relationship with Ian?
+Roz’s decision reflects her growing awareness of the harm caused by their relationship. It is a moment of self-accountability and a recognition of the need to prioritize familial and societal boundaries.
Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking and Unsettling Finale
The ending of Adore is a masterclass in ambiguity and emotional depth. It refuses to provide closure, instead leaving viewers with a series of questions about desire, morality, and the human condition. Roz and Lil’s final moment on the beach is a testament to the film’s commitment to exploring the complexities of love and relationships without resorting to easy answers.
Whether you view the ending as a tragedy, a quiet triumph, or something in between, Adore is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Its provocative narrative and understated conclusion make it a compelling study of the human heart and the boundaries we choose to cross—or uphold.
