Every Secret Thing (2014) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Every Secret Thing (2014) reveals the tragic truth behind the disappearance of a baby years earlier, exposing the dark secrets and manipulations of two now-teenage girls, Alice and Ronnie, who were convicted as children for a similar crime. The film concludes with the revelation that Alice, the seemingly more innocent of the two, orchestrated the new kidnapping and murder to frame Ronnie, driven by jealousy and a twisted desire for attention. The final scenes underscore the cyclical nature of violence and the lingering scars of childhood trauma, leaving audiences to grapple with the unsettling question of whether true justice was served.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of Every Secret Thing unfolds as Detective Nancy Porter (played by Elizabeth Banks) pieces together the truth about the disappearance of another child, mirroring the crime Alice and Ronnie were imprisoned for as children. The film's nonlinear storytelling gradually reveals that Alice (Danielle Macdonald), now released from juvenile detention, has meticulously planned the new abduction to implicate Ronnie (Dakota Fanning), her former friend and co-defendant. Alice's motivations stem from deep-seated resentment toward Ronnie, whom she perceives as having received preferential treatment during their trial and afterward. The final act exposes Alice's chilling manipulation: she lures the child to Ronnie's apartment, leaves incriminating evidence, and even stages a fake suicide attempt to solidify her victim narrative.
The resolution hinges on a tense confrontation between Alice and Ronnie, where Ronnie-initially unaware of Alice's scheme-realizes the extent of her betrayal. Detective Porter, who has harbored guilt over her role in the original case, uncovers Alice's diary, which details her obsessive jealousy and calculated plan. The film's closing scenes show Alice being arrested, while Ronnie, though exonerated, is left emotionally shattered. The ending underscores the theme of inherited trauma, as Alice's actions are subtly linked to her mother's (Diane Lane) emotional neglect and manipulative behavior. The cyclical nature of violence is emphasized, suggesting that the roots of such crimes often lie in unresolved familial dysfunction.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. Did Alice's mother, Helen, play a more direct role in shaping her daughter's psychopathy?
- The film hints at Helen's coldness and favoritism toward Ronnie, which may have fueled Alice's rage. However, it's unclear whether Helen actively encouraged Alice's behavior or simply failed to intervene.
2. Why did Detective Porter take so long to suspect Alice?
- Porter's guilt over the original case may have blinded her to Alice's culpability, as she was overly focused on Ronnie's potential guilt.
3. What will happen to Ronnie after the events of the film?
- While Ronnie is freed, her life is irrevocably damaged. The film leaves her future open, suggesting she may never fully recover from the trauma.
4. Is Alice truly remorseful, or is she still manipulating the system?
- Alice's tears during her arrest could be genuine or another calculated performance. The film leans toward the latter, given her history.
Personal Opinion:
Every Secret Thing is a haunting exploration of the darkness that can fester in seemingly ordinary lives. The ending is both satisfying and deeply unsettling, as it delivers justice while leaving the audience to ponder the systemic failures that allowed Alice's pathology to flourish. Dakota Fanning and Danielle Macdonald deliver powerhouse performances, with Macdonald especially chilling as the quietly malevolent Alice. The film's strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, instead presenting a nuanced portrait of how trauma and neglect can warp innocence. However, some viewers might find the pacing uneven or the nonlinear structure confusing. Despite this, the ending's emotional weight and moral ambiguity make it a memorable psychological thriller.
Final Thoughts:
The film's conclusion serves as a stark reminder that evil often wears a familiar face. Alice's ability to deceive everyone, including the audience, until the final moments is a testament to the story's clever writing. The unresolved tension between nature and nurture lingers, inviting viewers to reflect on how much of Alice's actions were predetermined by her upbringing. Every Secret Thing may not provide closure in a traditional sense, but its bleak realism is what makes it so impactful. The ending ensures that the characters' secrets continue to haunt long after the credits roll.