Always Shine (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR
Always Shine (2016), directed by Sophia Takal, is a psychological thriller about two actresses, Anna and Beth, whose toxic friendship reaches a breaking point during a weekend getaway. The ending blurs reality and fantasy, suggesting that Anna may have killed Beth in a jealous rage or that their identities have merged. The film concludes with Anna seemingly taking over Beth's life, leaving the audience to question what truly happened. The ambiguous finale explores themes of identity, jealousy, and the performative nature of femininity.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Always Shine is intentionally ambiguous, leaving viewers to piece together what truly transpired between Anna (Mackenzie Davis) and Beth (Caitlin FitzGerald). After a tense confrontation in the woods, the film cuts to Anna returning to Los Angeles alone, now embodying Beth's mannerisms, wardrobe, and even her acting career. The final scene shows Anna auditioning for a role Beth previously had, with the casting directors oblivious to the switch. This suggests one of two possibilities: either Anna murdered Beth and assumed her identity, or the two women have psychologically merged due to their intense rivalry and shared struggles in Hollywood. The film's surreal tone and nonlinear structure amplify the uncertainty, making it unclear whether the violence was real or a manifestation of Anna's fractured psyche.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
1. Did Anna kill Beth?
- Yes: The physical altercation in the woods, Anna's possession of Beth's belongings, and her eerie transformation imply murder.
- No: The film's dreamlike sequences suggest Anna's violent fantasies may not have been acted upon, and Beth's absence could symbolize Anna's erasure of her own insecurities.
Are Anna and Beth the same person?
- Metaphorically: They represent dual aspects of a single woman's identity - Anna as rage and Beth as passivity.
- Literally: Unlikely, but their mirrored struggles blur the line between individuality and rivalry.
What does the ending say about performance?
- Anna's ability to "become" Beth critiques how women mold themselves to fit societal expectations, losing their true selves in the process.
Themes and Symbolism
The film delves into the destructive nature of female competition, particularly in industries that pit women against each other. Anna's envy of Beth's success-and Beth's resentment of Anna's authenticity-creates a toxic dynamic where identity becomes a performance. The ending's ambiguity reflects the characters' unstable sense of self. The recurring motif of mirrors and reflections underscores this, suggesting that Anna and Beth are distorted reflections of each other. The woods, a classic horror trope, symbolize the chaos beneath their polished facades, where societal pressures drive them to violence or madness.
Personal Opinion
Always Shine is a haunting exploration of identity and envy, elevated by Davis and FitzGerald's powerhouse performances. The ending's ambiguity is frustrating yet brilliant, forcing the audience to confront the film's themes long after the credits roll. While some may dislike the lack of clarity, the open-endedness serves the story's psychological depth. The film's commentary on the performative demands placed on women-especially in Hollywood-is razor-sharp. However, the pacing can feel uneven, and the surreal elements might alienate viewers seeking a straightforward thriller. Despite this, it's a thought-provoking film that lingers, much like the unresolved tension between its protagonists.
Final Thoughts
Always Shine doesn't offer easy answers, and that's its strength. By leaving Anna and Beth's fate unresolved, the film mirrors the instability of identity in a world that rewards conformity. Whether read as a literal crime or a metaphorical unraveling, the ending challenges viewers to question how much of themselves they've sacrificed to societal expectations. It's a chilling, cerebral conclusion that solidifies the film as a standout in psychological horror.