MovieChat Forums > The One I Love (2014) Discussion > My theory on the ENDING

My theory on the ENDING

posted 10 years ago by slimischillin
101 replies | jump to latest

Maybe I'm alone here but the way I see it, Sophie 1 was a huge b-word throughout the entire movie towards her husband. Yes, he cheated. But if you stayed, and are in therapy to make it better than commit to it. It was odd how she was never really freaked out about the doppleganger Ethan. She was all for it from day one. Not to mention, she couldn't care less what Ethan 1 was doing with the other Sophie. She never inquired about their visits, even when he went over in the middle of the night. She was doing the same thing she was so mad at Ethan for, CHEATING!!!! Lying, sneaking and cheating. And for someone who's supposed to be this big cheater (Ethan), he never once engaged the other Sophie intimately, he even started avoiding her.

So the way I see the ending is that Ethan finally realized that even though he'd made a mistake, he too deserved to be happy. He didn't have to keep punishing himself by staying in a marriage where his partner was clearly unwilling to move on from his transgression.

Also, IMO what Sophie 2 explained about who the house worked, was that, in a nutshell, the two ppl who are actually happy and in love get to leave while the two who are in discourse must stay, which is why the dopplegangers had to prevent the original couple from making up and falling in love again through seduction/jealousy etc.

So why didn't Ethan 2 get to leave when he ran??? BECAUSE HE DIDNT REALLY LOVE THE ORIGINAL SOPHIE! If he did, being that she was in love with him too and at that point Ethan 1 and Sophie 2 were not in love with each other, but still with their original partner, he should have been able to leave, as well as Sophie 1. But I think that with all his charm and promise, he was manipulating the original Sophie, just be able to escape. That's why he said screw all you guys before he ran because he was over putting on an act. He just wanted out. That's also why he was stealing clothing, and calling Ethan 1's parents/friends to find out more about his life to be able to take over his identity. He was desperate to leave and definitely had a plan.

So now, Sophie 1, who so easily gave up on her marriage and committed the same wrong that Ethan 1 did to her by cheating, is stuck in that weird house with a man who doesn't even truly love her and Ethan, who down to the very end truly thought he was leaving with his wife (which his REAL WIFE just allowed him to think, by standing there and not saying a word SMH) gets to be with someone who actually appreciates him, flaws and all. Glasses, difficult, one a cheater etc. I think Sophie got what she both wanted and deserved!

SIDE NOTE: I saw someone else mention this too but it was VERY confusing when he found the files on the computer. Like…who is this weirdo guy, and why does he train up dopplegangers to replace people? Also, what's the significance of the piano playing? Thats all I got!

[–] tecnogaming 10 years ago

You got it right.

E1 escapes with S1 and now I am completely sure about it, another poster on this forum discovered how to solve this mistery and I'll point it that out.

Sophie on the left ask Sophie on the right "what happens if he tries to leave" and sophie on the right says "i don't know"

It is clear by that statement that Sophie on the left is S1 because, S2 won't ask that question since S2 is the one in the predicament.

So, sophie on the left is the one that smiles and left.. the egg scene at the end is just there to reinforce the fact that they actually came up changed by the experience and E1 finally accept this even when he felt that S1 were probably S2 were in fact it's S1.

This is a fine piece of cinema I can't state this enough, warrants another view for sure.

Alex Vojacek

[–] jdtoledo 10 years ago

What egg scene at the end?

[–] Makarov-324 10 years ago

Have you seen the movie?

[–] jdtoledo 10 years ago

Yes. You mean the bacon? Because the egg is not relevant.

[–] ShroudOfFrost 9 years ago

Oh Jesus Christ, are you really that *beep* retarded? The person could have said the breakfast scene, egg scene, or bacon scene. It all means the same thing.

Idiot.

[–] Exoskeletal89 9 years ago

What's worse? Being a little slow or being a complete *beep* who calls somebody an idiot and retarded over a scene in a movie?

Grow up.

[–] Makarov-324 10 years ago

To be fair Sophie 1 and Sophie 2 could have easily switched sides while they walked up to the unconscious Ethan. We don't get to see their entire walk up to him because the camera cuts.

[–] gbmovies88 9 years ago

i completely agree, that's a pretty weak foundation. they clearly could have switched at some point for some reason.

The ending is supposed to be open for interpretation. i dont think there is supposed to be a right or wrong. For instance i took the ending as E1 realizing that he took S2 back with him, Freaking out for a moment and than understanding there wasnt anything he could do about it

[–] clone53421 9 years ago

The order in which they exited the house is more important than which side of the camera shot they were standing. They crossed sides as they were running, but they remained in the same order: Fake Ethan left first, then real Ethan, then fake Sophie, then real Sophie. They stayed in that same order right up until the point where they catch up and then they're all standing in one spot. Fake Sophie stayed right behind real Ethan (as you'd expect if she wanted to leave with him) and real Sophie was trailing behind them all.

[–] loboalce 8 years ago

E2 and S2 were trapped in guest house until S1 and E1 were torn apart, so S2 could ask that question, because she couldn't test that before. And it's obviously that E2 don't know what would happen at barrier either. Besides Sophie on the right call Ethan several times which kind of makes her S1, because S2 wouldn't care about Ethan at all as he's not her husband and also S2 was mostly a spectator at that scene. And as last observation when Ethan said that they should go Sophie on the left looked at Sophie on the right at first and only when she saw that other Sophie don't answer and had been looking at E2 in concern, she'd smiled at Ethan, deciding to go with him instead. All that makes me believe that it's definitely S2 who went with Ethan in the end. Becon was just for Ethan to realize the truth.

[–] franklindf 10 years ago

I felt like the ending was confusing, along the lines of David Lynch. A lot is probably not intended to make any real sense. That is sort of the point with the movie as a whole. What particularly confused me was the very ending,it just ended and I thought there was a lot that was left unexplored.

[–] snakeye808 10 years ago

What didn't make sense? Between the computer files and the conversation that followed with fake Sophie, I feel like this movie spelled everything out for the viewer. It's no wonder that I sometimes dislike movies because the script treats me like I'm unintelligent and unable to figure anything out, but let's face it, movies are often written that way because many viewers are plain dumb (for lack of a better word). No offense... Actually, that is a shot at your intelligence when it comes to interpreting movies, so feel free to take offense.

[–] abeworld 10 years ago

Wow a$$hole much?

[–] nikotinko 10 years ago

Well I don't consider myself as an above average in intelligence department but I agree with you completely. It's really not that complicated when you think about it. At all...

[–] TheBeardedWonder 9 years ago

Sometimes people miss stuff for reasons beyond not getting it though. The phone rings, someone distracts you, the dog barks, the kid cries, you get up for some water, etc. All the sudden you've missed an important piece of dialogue/action that explains a lot but is only a few seconds long...

'Get yourself a real dog. Any dog under 50 lbs is a cat and cats are pointless' - Ron Swanson

[–] fst5000 9 years ago

thanks for being so... intelligent about it.

[–] thepalestfire 9 years ago

The movie is a tease, a meaningless, empty tease, from start to finish. It turns out to be a senseless Twilight Zone episode, not a metaphor or allegory. It means nothing. There is no lesson, theme or even wit to be gleaned from all its minor machinations and bland sleights of hand.

A great premise that was wasted on what felt like a screenwriter's decision thinking "Wouldn't it be coo if...", instead of servicing the story.

"Homosexual behavior is most definitely inferior." - rj

[–] FourThreeTwo 9 years ago

Neither of them loved the original ones.

This movie is a metaphor for psychological projection. We project into our partners images of our ideal romantic interest.

Please correct my grammar, make my day.

[–] azureblue-190-141960 9 years ago

"Neither of them loved the original ones.

This movie is a metaphor for psychological projection. We project into our partners images of our ideal romantic interest. "

Opinion that lacks explanation, really? Maybe a personal history here, I'm guessing.

Why is difficult to accept a non obvious conclusion? Sure, the "logical" story ending would be to look at the bacon for the reason to support S2. I am one to believe the writer really wanted to see a positive resolution for this couple....just like many couples would hope to be the result of a relational trial... I am guessing many audiences have never had or have not seen the possibility of a reconciliation relationship in their lives, so there may be tendency to lean towards trying something new (S2).

S1 was hurt by years of a disintegrating relationship and a cheating husband. Granted, she felt more accepting of the fantasy. Interesting that although E1 spied on S1 and switched places with E2 instead of going to the store, it was "that" which was more criminal than S1 lying about visits to E2, AND knowingly sleeping with him a second time (even though it was E1).

It's plausible in the end that S1 heard what she needed to hear from E1's plea to save their marriage and to wake her from her moment of deluded happiness. And, because she was aware from the beginning that S2 made E1 bacon, its easy for me to see why she suggested bacon for breakfast, sacrificing her own challenge with bacon, to be selfless towards Ethan in the end.

Also...I have a hard time believing E1 would be content with S2. For one, he never was caught up in the fantasy, even though he could have had ample opportunity to let his emotions play out as S1's did. He clearly wanted to be with his wife and save his marriage... and you can see from his final plea, he appeared to see her reception of his reconciliation plea.

Further, There was no evidence that S2's statement of wanting to stay with E2 regardless of his new love for S1, which was really just a self centered ploy to escape, that would justify S2 wanting to start a new life with E1.

[–] nhnolan 9 years ago

I don't see how people keep assuming that if it really is S1 at the end that that's the happy ending. What matters is what Ethan thinks, and he obviously, from the look on his face, has a seed of doubt growing in the end. The marriage is not saved because he has that doubt there and always will.

[–] X-Hal 9 years ago

The point I was going to make! Even if I'm willing to admit that it could be S1, it's clear that Ethan thinks it's S2 from his expression. So yeah, maybe it's S1 and she's changed and nicer now, but he thinks it's not her so, eh, doesn't really matter. <.<

- - -

Whether they find life there or not, I think Jupiter should be considered an enemy planet.

[–] veratheplant 9 years ago

I disagree.

The Bacon scene at the end was to show that the person who got out was Fake Sophie. She was a completely separate person who did not know that Real Sophie didn't like it when Real Ethan ate bacon. A sudden change in character for Real Sophie to suddenly be okay with bacon would be like getting a leopard to change its spots. The entire scene at the end shows that. If they were both real, they'd still have unresolved problems and going through that weekend at the guesthouse wouldn't change that.

It's logical and makes sense, with no loopholes this way >>

At the end, when Fake Sophie comes into the guest house to warn Real Ethan, she tells him that "she's supposed to fall out of love with you. That's how this works. That's how we get out." They have to 'fall out of love' with the other. Only then are the fake ones allowed to leave.

Fake Ethan was hit by the force field and couldn't leave because Real Ethan HADN'T fallen out of love with Real Sophie. That's why he failed at trying to leave. But Real Sophie had fallen out of love with Real Ethan, thus leaving Fake Sophie the chance to get out.

So at the end, Real Sophie was the one seen squatting near Fake Ethan's unconscious body. This is also supported by her previous declaration that at the pool with Real Ethan when they were fighting and he asked what the endgame was and she said, "I'm not leaving". I'm convinced Real Sophie stayed behind.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] ShroudOfFrost 9 years ago

So apparently you're the one who doesn't understand the twists, yet you're the one treating everyone like they're dumb. Instead of getting on the offensive, how about listening to what people have to say?

Sophie 2 reveals a big plot point: each couple is taken into the retreat and they turn against each other and the couple that went through it before can leave. It's a vicious cycle. They have to get the new couple to hate each other and then the old couple can escape. They might look like Ethan and Sophie, but they are the couple who were there prior to their visit. Understand?

And yes, the ending is easily explained. The whole theme of this film is to love someone despite their flaws. Love and life is messy. We have the big emotional climax when Ethan tells Sophie that he still loves her and wants to live his life with her even though they aren't perfect. She smiles and accepts him. We know that she has had the same change of heart. And in the end, if you watch it again, you will see that the Sophies never switch sides. The real Sophie is on the left while Sophie 2 is on the right. We know the real Sophie is on the left because she asks what happens if Ethan can't catch Ethan 2. She assumes the Sophie 2 might know, and Sophie 2 would never ask that question because she knows the real Sophie would never know the answer.

So there you have it. If it's about loving a person despite their flaws, and we know from earlier that Sophie hates Ethan eating bacon, then Sophie has truly gone through a change just like Ethan and is willing to make him bacon because it's what makes him happy. She can get over a dumb little flaw in order to make them work.

It's not pointless mental masturbation. People just don't think about what the movie's trying to convey so they lose sight on what the ending could be. Their more interested in the logistics rather than the meaning.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] ShroudOfFrost 9 years ago

You won't find many movies with original themes. It's about the concept, characters, and themes and whether or not they work together. My guess is that since I schooled you on what the film was actually about you could only come up with a short little response because of embarrassment. It's fine. No need to be embarrassed. Just learn to look into a movie instead of needing it spelled out for you. Not everyone will hold your hand through the entire concept like Christopher Nolan.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ambskater97 8 years ago

You're an infant.

[–] artisanne03 9 years ago

Those are the fake couples posing for the photo and giving their testimonials, 'cause when Ethan 1 sees the photo of him and Sophie 1 he says he doesn't remember taking that picture. The fake couples are the ones that go back out into the world.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. - Confucius

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] gbmovies88 9 years ago

idk if you are legit asking but just in case.

the original couples gets trapped in the guest house until a new couple arrives. than the original couple turns into a douplegang version of the new couple and try make them turn on each other so the original couple can leave.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] artisanne03 9 years ago

It's a movie, you can make anything happen in a movie. They don't have to mirror reality exactly.

[–] The_Butcher_of_Ibelin 9 years ago

I agree with this but I like the ambiguity of it. I don't need to have a clear ending to feel fulfilled as some here have mentioned. It could easily be either Sophie and I like that we don't know because it is fun to speculate and discuss. Some films are better with a neat ending and others are not, but I think the premise and approach put this one more in the latter camp.

In either case, I thought it was a very fun, creative, and well put-together movie. The actors did an amazing job of carrying the picture - and I mean "carrying" because Ethan and Sophie were really the only actors beyond Danson's character - who had about five minutes of screen time.

Relax a bit, everyone. If you didn't like it, fine, if you did or are on the fence, enjoy the debate. I thought it was well-worth the watch and will recommend it to others.

Here lies one whose name was writ in water - Keats

[–] npanou 9 years ago

It seems a little weird that Sophie 2 (fake) was so adamant that she loved Ethan 2, the act of him kissing Sophie 1 may have made her fall out of love, but it wouldn't suddenly make her fall in love with Ethan 1. I agree with the ambiguous route- that you aren't supposed to know and the ending is the question, arguing about it is pointless. It's the exact dilemma going through Ethan's head at the end. There is equal argument for either side, i think the assumption most audiences make is that it's fake Sophie, but as they think about it more it could easily be a renewed Sophie 1.

"World needs bad men. We keep the other bad men from the door"

[–] gbmovies88 9 years ago

im not sure it has anything to do with being in love with the person you leave with.

Sophie to only says " only 2 people can leave here" so i thought ethan 2 got killed because he tried to leave on his own.

[–] jokerbird 9 years ago

I agree with the original poster slim. Also I think Sophie 2 had a thing for Ethan 1. I haven't yet seen anyone mention when Sophie 2 called Sophie 1 out in the kitchen over what she cared more about IE: if Ethan 1 was cheating on her or if sophie2 knew about what She (Sophie 1) and Ethan 2 had been doing,kind of pointing out that Sophie 1 was a self involved person (much like Ethan 2)or that Sophie 1 was not worthy of Ethan 1. Which made me look back at Sophie 2 when Ethan 1 accused her of not being human. When Ethan spoke to her about how he was losing his wife and felt like his hands were tied I think she had a clue that Ethan 2 was not in love with her anymore and after hearing how much Ethan 1 loved his wife and was drawn or attracted to Ethan's conviction to his wife and wanted to have someone feel that way about her the way he did about Sophie 1. Also Sophie 2 defended Ethan 1 when he was playing cards with them at the table. With all that said Sophie 2 decided to deceive Ethan 1 into thinking that she didn't want to leave Ethan 2 (knowing he would never knowingly leave his wife). At the end on the bed he tells the story of how Sophie1 (which whom he thinks he is speaking to) left him to suffer the night with no blanket and she responds "That's horrible what kind of wife is that"? if it had might be Sophie 1 she most likely would have responded "oh that's horrible what kind of wife am (I)". I also think she offered breakfast so she could attempt to reveal she was Sophie 2. When he realized what had happened, he mulled it over and thought this woman chose me. this wife is kind to me and cares for me (and lets me have bacon) and is a better version of my wife so he accepted her.

[–] ShroudOfFrost 9 years ago

It's not even up for debate, if you think that Sophie 2 is the one who escapes then you're wrong. You can re-watch the movie and see that Sophie 1 is on the left when they exit the house (because why would Sophie 2 ask 1 what would happen if Ethan 2 escapes?). Also, once you explore the themes you begin to understand that it's all about accepting the one you love, even their flaws. Like every great piece of fiction, we watched the characters change, and Sophie offering Ethan bacon in the end was part of her change and acceptance of Ethan. The ending suspense is to show that no matter what there will always be moments where Ethan will be scared that he took the wrong Sophie with him.

[–] captmexican 9 years ago

The Sophies dont discuss Ethan 2 escaping- the question is "What happens if he can't catch him?"

It appears you believe that S1 is asking S2 what happens if E2 makes it past whatever the barriers are - which is how I first heard it and believe this is a perfectly reasonable interpretation. During my first viewing I was bothered by the language though - "cant catch him" as opposed to "gets away"- this helps us identify who "he" describes

So why would S2 ask S1 that same question - "What happens if he can't catch him?". Because then the Sophies would have to figure out what happens to them if E2 escapes. Which sophie gets to go with him and which stays? If S1 is free to go would she choose to stay with the trapped E1(assuming of course that E2 was able to get out)? If both Sophies could potentially escape (with only one permitted to leave however) would they make a mad dash, would S1 abandon E1 with a stranger- these are the issue behind S2's question towards S1. This also explains why the Sophie who answers "I don't know" proceeds to yell out "Ethan" as opposed to E2's previous name (which S2 would know and be familiar with)

Further the position of the sophie's after leaving the house doesnt have to be the same position when they are standing next to Ethan. We don't see their whole approach and its possible they switched places- I'm not saying that this is what actually happen, but that the film is purposefully vague and does not provide us with enough information to make a logical definitive statement. .

Further both Sophies have a reason to react to E2's crash.

If S1 is the left Sophie then not only has she gotten a sincere apology from her husband, but she has seen E2's true character and can start anew with E1, with S2/Right Sophie knows that her lover has tried to abandon both in body and soul, but she is physically trapped with him and knows she loves a man who wont reciprocate.

If S2 is the left Sophie, then she had her love for E2 dashed, but finally has a chance to be free both of the house and a bad relationship (remember they were troubled long before getting trapped) while S1/Right Sophie has just seen what was suppose the perfect embodiment of her love become violent and attempt to abandon her, only a night after learning of her husband's continual betrayal of her trust.

There is evidence in the film to support your views, but ultimately I believe that a point of the film is that the information is insufficient for us to determine if S1 or S2 left the house.

[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

I like some of your points here but have to disagree about the idea of who asks that question about E2 getting away. There's no reason that S2 would ever ask S1 that question, or any other question about anything that might happen. S2 is the one who has been there all along and might know something about things that happen or don't happen. S1 is completely new to the situation and pretty much completely ignorant about what's going on. S2, if we can agree that she's fairly intelligent, is probably smart enough to realize that S1 is ignorant of the situation and would have no information about what will or won't happen. S2 would not have any reason to think that S1 has any knowledge.

I think you're right about the film being vague and unclear on purpose and its' a credit to everyone involved that they do such a great job of that.

[–] captmexican 9 years ago

I wrote up a reason why S2 would ask S1 "What happens if he can't catch him?"- I think the wording here is vague and not just about E2 getting away, but what is going to become of the Sophies. If E2 can escape (which after viewing we know he can't, but neither Sophie has a reason to know this) then the Sophies are going to have to figure out what becomes of them. S2 is not asking E1 about her knowledge of the situation, but instead asking "what about us".

I think the interpretation of the question as asked by S1 (what will physically happen if E2 tries to leave/escapes) is valid and makes plenty of sense, but it doesnt mean that S2 can't be asking or that she doesn't have a reason to ask.

[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

I see where you're going and don't have an issue with your thought process. As you say, it's valid. We could theorize that it's S2 and what she is really asking is "What happens TO US if he doesn't catch him." But again, it's just a theory and a way to make things fit into our argument, not that there's anything wrong with that.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

S2 is the one who has been there all along

You sure about that? I think she has been there only one "cycle".

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Yet another interesting thing that we don't really know is just how long have they been there. The couple trapped in the guest house. You're probably right that it's been "one cycle," but what does that even mean in the context of the movie? We don't really know. Getting back to my original comment, I did not mean "been there all along" to mean forever. I just meant it to mean that she is the one who has been there for a while, prior to E1 and S1 showing up, and therefore would have more knowledge of the way things work at the retreat (which she demonstrates when she tells E1 all about how things work). "All along" probably wasn't the best way for me to put what I was trying to say.

[–] ShroudOfFrost 9 years ago

Again, if Sophie 2 is the one who gets out then the whole theme of the movie is lost and it becomes pointless. These filmmakers are too skilled to do something stupid like that.

[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Totally agree with you. Even the title points to it. E1 always loves S1, never wavers from that and the his whole motivation/goal is to make things work with her. S1 never really stops loving E1 and does want to make things work because she loves him. Even if she has a fling with E2, she still loves E1. S2 loves E2, something that motivates all of her behavior. She wants to stay there with him and wants to help E1 and S1 escape together. There's no reason or motivation for S2 to escape, it doesn't make sense in the context of the whole movie.

[–] captmexican 9 years ago

S2 was willing to stay trapped with E2 but she said this before E2 revealed his plan to betray and abandon her (yes she "knew" what he was planning, but it different to hear it straight from his mouth and take away all doubt). After E2 crashes in the field she can choose to remain trapped with a man she knows deosnt love her or escape and have a new life. Even if the house is nice, its still a magical prison and freedom is perfectly good enough motivation to escape both in life and in the context of the movie.

Shouldn't S1 also want to avoid imprisonment and struggle with S2 to get out? Yes, but in that moment she is devastated and confused and could decide to stay with E2 to see if what she felt with him was real- she may decide that her love for E1 was gone and may be offended by the fact that he didn't bother to ask which one was S1- E1 wants to leave and leaves with the Sophie that he sees is willing to go, not bothering to make sure she is actually S1 (the one he should theoretically love). S1 sees this selfish act and decides to cast her lot with E2- sad but a reason/motivation for S1 to resign herself to imprisonment.

[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

When you say that freedom from the magical prison is a good enough motivation to escape, I'm willing to go with you there, but I disagree that it remains so in the context of the movie. There's never any indication that she ever has that motivation. There's never any reason given to us to believe that she is motivated by that desire. The only thing she ever says is that she'd rather stay than escape and be separated from her Ethan.

In the same vein, there's no indication that S1 has decided that her love for E1 has gone or that she has decided that staying is a better option. The opposite is actually indicated. When E1 gives his big romantic speech, S1 is receptive of it and seems to be happy about what he's saying. Right after that, when E2 implores her to go with him, S1 stands there and does nothing, then looks at E1 with a slight smile. She seems totally over E2 in those moments.

I totally see where you're going, I just can't get there with you in terms of S1 deciding to cast her lot with E2.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

In the same vein, there's no indication that S1 has decided that her love for E1 has gone or that she has decided that staying is a better option.

She told him flat out that was precisely what she wanted to do, outside--near the end of the film.

I just went back and rewatched everything from when S2 comes downstairs, pretending to be S1. I think you can read a lot of things in that aren't necessarily there. S1 never clearly accepts or rejects E1's romantic speech (a great, ambiguous acting job by Moss). There is a kind of stalemate as they are all standing there. E2 breaks it by saying "okay, F all you guys", which people in your camp would argue is a reason S1 should be "cured" of being in love with him. But that doesn't mean he didn't really love S1, nor that he is sure she wants to stay with E1. It's more (IMO) just frustration that S1 didn't unambiguously choose him in that moment. He doesn't want to lower himself to campaigning for her love against E1.

When S1 and S2 are standing side by side, and E1 says "Come on, let's go", the Sophie on the left isn't just like "yeah, let's go" but first looks over at the Sophie on the right. When she sees right-Sophie just look down, like "I'm folding, I'm not going" she gets a smile like "wow, okay, she's letting me have it" and takes her chance. So I think left-Sophie is S2. Why would S1 react that way?

Then, as they are driving, the Sophie in the car with him acts all cool and collected, which is more how we've been seeing S2 act and not like we'd expect S1 to be in that moment.

Finally, in the very last scene, E1 reacts with shock and a titch of horror when he hears Sophie casually say "I thought I'd make eggs and bacon". We watch him for several seconds, digesting this and mulling it. Then he makes peace with it, in a way (all based on interpreting his facial expressions) that doesn't look to me like "naaaahhh...that's still my original Sophie" but more like "Whoa, okay, let me think...wow, that's seriously *beep* up...but you know what? *beep* it, let's have some eggs and bacon and just be an aardvark."

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

You're certainly right that you can read a lot of things that aren't necessarily there. You really have to give it to Moss and Duplass for their performances in this movie. They're so nuanced and ambiguous, in a good way. Still, I think we may just agree to disagree on some of this. I don't get the feeling that the scene is a total stalemate. It does seem to me that S1 accepts E1's romantic speech (by the way, I love that I have "a camp"). I see what you are saying about Sophie on the left shooting that look over to the one on the right before they leave, but its' another one of those moments that you can read anything you want into it or read something that, as you said, isn't necessarily there. Still, I don't have a good answer at the moment for why S1 would look over at S2 and have that little smile like that (although, S1 seemed to dislike S2, especially after the scene over wine in the kitchen, so S1 may have reacted like that in thinking, "allright, let's ditch these a-holes" or something like that). Interesting point as well about the scene in the car. That's another one that I've gone back and watched again. Again, I don't think you can really say conclusively that she's acting more like S1 or S2, she's kind of not doing anything at all. I like your interpretation of the final scene but I'm not sure I'm willing to go completely over to your camp on that one either. I would have to watch it again but I don't recall thinking of it as shock or horror, although I agree that at the end he is at peace with the situation, although it could be peace that comes with realizing just how much he and his wife, his original wife, have worked things out and improved their marriage.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Good points. I definitely will not be one of those people who insists that there is one, clear, unambiguous, unassailable way to interpret the ending. And whichever way the filmmakers were leaning (we disagree, mildly, on that point), I think you and I agree that they wanted to leave some ambiguity, as part of the fun.

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

And you score more points for not being one of those people. And yes, I'd say that we agree that they probably wanted it that way. They must have, so much care and detail went into it. It almost makes me wonder if they look at boards like this one and smile just a little at all the debate and discussion that happens. Just knowing that people are talking this much about something you created is pretty awesome.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Indeed!

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Ok, I have a better answer for the "Sophie on the left looks at the one on the right" question (having gone back and watch it again, I confess). Ethan looks at the Sophies and for just a second seems to be unsure, for just a moment he seems to have the tiniest flicker of doubt about which one is which, although he ends up looking to the one on the left. The one on the left then turns to the one on the right, as if to say "wait, he doesn't actually think she might be his real wife, does he?" Then, when she turns back to him, she smiles, as if to say, "That's right, you know that I'm me, you're real wife." And yes, one could argue hat S2 would do the same thing, trying to con him and trick him into thinking she's the real one, but I don't buy that, based on all the reasons I laid out in my other post. It's also interesting if you think of that moment as seeing what Ethan is seeing. He looks at the one on the left, wonders for just a second if she's the right one, then he and "sophie on the left" both turn and look at the one on the right, who is looking down, and when they look back at each other, they smile at each other (a "let's get the hell out of here" smile together).

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

It's still slightly ambiguous, as it needs to be (since I think we're both convinced the filmmakers don't want it to be definitive), but I think you're overinterpreting it when you say that if it is S2 who left with him (as I still lean toward), that she's doing this elaborate con at that moment. It's just a smile of "oh, look: S1 is giving up, cool".

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Well, me over-interpreting something is certainly within the realm of possibility. I'm not saying it would be an elaborate con. It could totally be a spur of the moment, on a whim kind of thing, where she just realizes all of a sudden that S1 has shut down and given up, and seizes the moment. I think the one thing that's not debatable is how great Moss is, especially in those final moments. She sells the hell out of it (and I tend to think Moss is still a bit underappreciated in general, although she has gotten lots of acclaim for Top of the Lake, which I really liked, and Mad Men,which I don't like). And that smile is the best piece of evidence that it's S2 who leaves with E1. There's just a hint of deviousness about it, not evil or sinister, just a touch of mischief in it. Like you say, just a moment of realizing that she's got an opportunity here, all of a sudden, and she's going to take it. And she knows just how to do it, with that smile.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

We agree! Even about TotL and (mostly) about Mad Men. In the latter case, I tried it several times without finding it more than pretty to look at but fundamentally dull. Then at someone's suggestion, I stopped trying the pilot every year or two, and moved on to the second episode and liked that much better. That was a few months ago, though, and I still haven't watched more than that.

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Yeah, same here. Every time I've watched an episode, I've felt disinterested and didn't bother watching another one. Totally agree, it's very pretty but mostly just dull.

[–] bellamae 9 years ago

Here's my take: I think S2 looks over at S1 to see what she is going to do. Because as his real wife, she has the prerogative of leaving w/ E1 or staying. But when S1 says and does nothing S2 smiles, "This is my chance" is probably her thought, and nods to E1 and they split. So I think he leaves w/ S2. In the last breakfast scene, she was way more pleasant than S1 was, and the bacon is the clincher, that is to let E1 and the viewer know which Sophie she is. I watched it twice from the scene where S2 spills the beans to E1 because I missed some things.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Yup, I totally agree.

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[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cigil 9 years ago

So just watched this and then rewatched the last few minutes a couple of times. I think Sophie 2 escaped. When Ethan 1 was looking at the 2 Sophies after Ethan 2 gets knocked out, the one on his right closes her eyes.

I think that was the original Sophie and she closed her eyes so he (Ethan 1) wouldn't be able to tell between them. This gave Sophie 2 the opportunity/permission from S1 to escape with E1 and he only realises this when she says she is going to make bacon.

S1 had fallen in love with E2 and didn't want to leave whereas S2 realises that she cant win E2 back even though she loves him and takes the chance to escape. Watch the mouth movements when S1 closes her eyes, its subtle but she doesn't want him to realise she is S1 as she isn't choosing him and looks like she is trying not to be upset by letting him down. Sophie 1 loves Ethan 2 and S2 would have no reason to be upset if E1 didn't pick her. The bacon scene at the end confirms this.

I do think though it is left for a person to interpret anyway they choose but this is just my reading of it.

"The neutrinos have mutated and they're heating up the planet."

[–] realitycomments 9 years ago

I seen it the same way you did. I thought it was obvious from who the real Sophie was from that scene and actually just prior. I seen them come out of the house in that order. Also the smile that Sophie on the left gave, left me no doubt she was the S2.

[–] realitycomments 9 years ago

Also S1 was soooooo unhappy in her marriage with E1, that she enjoyed the retreat so much simply because she felt happy for the first time perhaps in a very long time.

She said so much of that at the diner and why she wanted to go back. She tried to fit it in that it would be possibly good for their marriage, but she emphasised that she was happy there.

She seen her marriage with E1 as a prison in itself. She still loved him or at least the memory of him before all the fun left their marriage. Chances are E1 never gave her a shoulder/back massage.

[–] missramy 9 years ago

This was my exact thought at the end of the movie. If S2 is the one who got away, than Ethan's entire fight to win S1 back has been in vain and the ending is stupid. Plus, in the bathroom scene, S1 refuses E2, and believes E1! Why would that change in 3 minutes? Either way, it's interesting reading what everybody thinks about this. :)

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

I don't think you can say for sure whether S1 refuses E2. She acts torn, and E2 is fed up that she doesn't just choose him unambiguously, because he thinks he's so much better than E1.

And the ending you are saying would be "in vain" would be a very fitting, dark twist at the end of an indie movie, which is what this is.

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Those are both fair and valid points.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Thanks!

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[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

I confess that I did just go back and watch that scene and I think there's a pretty strong case that S1 does flat our refuse E2. After the E1/E2 fight, which is a pretty great moment ("Ok, that was a stupid fight," says E2), E2 says "Come on" to S1 and there's ample opportunity for her to go with him. Lots of time, and she doesn't flinch or budge in his direction. She doesn't seem to be even considering it anymore. Or maybe she's just being REALLY indecisive. But she's got plenty of time to go with him and she doesn't

[–] captmexican 9 years ago

I disagree that this is the whole theme of the movie. One of the themes of the movie is manipulation of identity/image, which the therapist obviously does to his patients- his is able to physically manipulate the trapped patients and emotionally manipulate the newly arrived patients with doppleganger. However a more constant theme is the personal manipulation we produce and experience on a daily basis.

We focus on certain aspects of the people around us creating unrealistic expectations and criticisms, while also purposefully acting to produce a certain identity. A big issue in many relationsips is determining whether we really love our partners for who they are or (to paraphrase Jackson browne) love a "picture of somebody [we] were hoping [they] might be". Here the guest house provides a physical manifestation of that picture and the manipulations come to a head. Is the one I love my partner who I came with, or the stranger in the guest house? E1 rejects this question early on - he rejects the idea that S2 is even a person- while S1 is seduced by E2 and continues to be disappointed/betrayed by E1 which creates the conflict as S1 is unsure of how to answer that question.

I don't necessarily disagree with an interpretation that S1 decides that e1 is the one she loves, but I disagree with your idea that there is no room for debate or that there is a definitive answer/solution in the film. I argue that if this was a logic question as to who leaves and why, S1 or S2, the answer would be C) there is insufficient evidence to say which one leaves and further that this was the intent of the filmmakers (if their intent was instead to provide a definitive answer I would say either I missed something, they failed to prove it or the necessary material was cut in editing)

[–] robert_barossi 9 years ago

Completely agree with what you're saying here and that is certainly a major problem in many relationships (including a few of my past relationships). And I think you're right that it's one of the themes of the movie.

Did I say that there was no room for debate? If I did, and I sincerely don't recall, I take it back. I have been enjoying the debate here and am glad to find a chance to have a friendly debate like this about this movie. On the other hand, I do think there's a definitive answer/solution, in my mind, but you're entitled to your own interpretation.

[–] captmexican 9 years ago

No you never said there was no room for debate, ShroudofFrost did.

For me the issue is I believe its suppose to be intentionally unclear. I don't want to get into any spoilers for other films, but there are lots of films with unclear endings that have definitive clues/answers throughout the film in which the director intended for there to be a final solution, there are films with no clear answers because crucial scenes/details were cut out in the editing and there films with no clear answers because the film was structured to be intentionally ambiguous.

I believe it to be the third option, I'm willing to consider that it is the second, but there is not enough evidence for me to say that there is a definitive answer- if anything most the points that people have brought up to support the idea that S1 leaves with E1 opens up even more room for debate.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Agreed. I think it's 60-70 percent likely it's S2 and E1 who left though.

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[–] kluxy_c 9 years ago

I find it hilarious throughout this whole topic how deluded you are into thinking you 'know'. I feel so embarrassed for you.

[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Have you seen the Woody Allen film Match Point?

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[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

It's not even up for debate, if you think that Sophie 2 is the one who escapes then you're wrong.

What a ridiculous statement. I would say that no one can prove it either way, but I think it's more likely that Sophie 2 is the one that escapes.

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[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

I buy all of this more than other theories, except that I think Sophie 2 was oblivious about the bacon thing. (We saw that they don't know everything about the person they are impersonating.)

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[–] bellamae 9 years ago

Joker bird, When S2 calls out S1 in the kitchen about whether who knows who is doing what with whom, you mention "if Sophie 2 knew about what She (Sophie 1) and Ethan 2 had been doing." My thought was she was more concerned about whether Ethan 1 (not Sophie 2) knew what She (Sophie 1) was doing w/ Ethan 2. After all, she and Ethan 1 had made the pact about no sex and she was breaking that, even though she kept saying she wanted to save her marriage.

[–] finasvyse 9 years ago

Fantastic film. I found the end to be amazing. Put me in the E1 and Sophie 2 are the people who left the house camp. There's the bacon thing, there's the telling look between the Two Sophie's at the end. If these signs are not enough. To know the truth it comes down to a great bit of acting done by our actress, when E1 is telling S2 the cover story at the end she doesn't seem like someone who lived the story, she seems like someone who is hearing it second hand. Plus E1s expression at the bacon, to me it says this is not the Sophie I thought it was, but the Sophie I deserve.

If that's not enough for you to believe E1 and S2 escaped the house. Here it goes in a nutshell, This is what the scenes about the magic trick were about.

Earlier we find out that E1 can never just accept the magic, he has to always ruin the trick. In the end even if he decides to tell her he knows, he has agreed to just accept her as his wife. And I think S2 will be good with that as she seemed to be developing feeling for E1 already. He agrees that final scene to just accept the wonderful wife who listens to his story's and gives him bacon.

[–] hal-9010 9 years ago

The problem is though that we don't really know S2. She is in character through most of the movie and the glimps of her personality we do see seem quite bitchy and superficial. Even E2 did not dig her anymore. She seemed hell bent on destroying what seemed to be brewing between E2 and S1, and E1and afterlife with him was not very much on her agenda. So the loving S we experience in the epilogue is who? IMO this movie only has one loving S to E (1 and 2) and that was S1.

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[–] 9 years ago

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[–] The_Wood 9 years ago

The film is full of meaning. I'm sorry you couldn't register any of it. Best of luck with the next film. For you, I suggest you watch it with a friend.

[–] realitycomments 9 years ago

I don't believe the sci fi aspect of it was the point. I thought it was a very good movie not because of its fun little supernatural twist but that it makes a very good point regarding the couple's relationship and what it needed.

I can think of a couple that could possibly benefit watching this movie, providing that they see themselves in the couples shoes with trying to make their marriage work.

The film wasn't trying to be clever for clever's sake or to be a sci fi mind bender.

Didn't someone use the line of a "twilight zone episode of Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?". That was great.