I got the symbolism at the end with the baby in the bed etc, but my partner thinks it goes one step further and that the mother-in-law's spirit has now entered Ruth's body (like in the Skeleton Key).
Anyone agree or have other ideas?
No, I don't see the spirit thing at all. I see it as catharsis as much as anything. Ruth was put in an impossible situation by her MiL, a situation from which there didn't appear to be a way out. Suddenly her problems disappear as if by magic - she grabs the moment and asserts herself, makes the best of her circumstances.
Although it sounds mean, I was glad for her because she had been put through hell by her MiL and received little support by the FiL and spineless husband when she most needed her. Now it's her turn to shape her life and future, and good luck to her!
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