Sharp Stick (2022) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Sharp Stick (2022) concludes with Sarah Jo (Kristine Froseth) embracing self-discovery after an affair with her employer, Josh (Jon Bernthal), shatters her sheltered worldview. The film ends ambiguously, leaving her future open but suggesting growth through her newfound sexual and emotional awakening. The final scenes show her walking away from her family's dysfunction, hinting at independence.
Detailed Ending Explanation
The ending of Sharp Stick revolves around Sarah Jo's transformation from a naïve, infantilized 26-year-old to a woman confronting her own desires and agency. After her affair with Josh-a married man and her employer-ends abruptly, Sarah Jo is forced to reckon with the consequences of her actions and the reality of adulthood. The film's climax occurs when Josh's wife, Marilyn (Lena Dunham), discovers the affair, leading to a confrontation that strips Sarah Jo of her romanticized illusions. The final act sees her rejecting her overbearing mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and sister Treina (Taylour Paige), who have long infantilized her due to her intellectual disability (a result of childhood cancer).
Sarah Jo's journey culminates in a symbolic moment where she walks away from her family's chaotic home, suggesting a break from their codependent dynamic. The last shot lingers on her expression-neither wholly triumphant nor defeated-implying that her growth is ongoing. The film avoids a tidy resolution, instead opting for realism: Sarah Jo is still figuring things out, but she's no longer passive. Her sexual awakening, though messy, has given her the courage to seek autonomy.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Does Sarah Jo truly understand the consequences of her actions?
- Possible Answer: The film implies she's beginning to, but her emotional maturity is still developing. Her final scenes suggest self-awareness, but not full accountability.
- What will happen to Josh and Marilyn's marriage?
- Possible Answer: The affair likely exacerbates existing cracks, but the film leaves their fate open, focusing instead on Sarah Jo's growth.
- Is Sarah Jo's family dynamic permanently changed?
- Possible Answer: Her walking away hints at lasting change, but the film doesn't confirm whether her family will respect her boundaries long-term.
Personal Opinion
Sharp Stick is a polarizing film, and its ending reflects its commitment to uncomfortable truths. While some might find Sarah Jo's arc frustratingly ambiguous, I appreciate its refusal to moralize or tie things up neatly. The film's strength lies in its messy, raw portrayal of a woman stunted by circumstance and her struggle to claim adulthood. However, the execution sometimes falters - Lena Dunham's script can feel uneven, and the tonal shifts between comedy and drama don't always land. Still, Kristine Froseth's performance elevates the material, making Sarah Jo's journey compelling despite its flaws. The ending isn't satisfying in a traditional sense, but it feels honest, leaving room for interpretation and growth beyond the screen.
Final Thoughts
Sharp Stick doesn't provide easy answers, and its ending is deliberately open-ended. Sarah Jo's story is about the messy, nonlinear process of self-discovery, and the final scenes capture that perfectly. Whether she'll flourish or falter remains uncertain, but the film succeeds in making her evolution feel earned. It's a flawed but thought-provoking exploration of agency, sexuality, and familial dysfunction, leaving viewers with much to ponder long after the credits roll.