Fatal Attraction (1987) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Fatal Attraction (1987) is a climactic and violent confrontation between Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas), his wife Beth (Anne Archer), and Alex Forrest (Glenn Close), Dan's obsessive former lover. After Alex's relentless stalking and psychological torment escalate to physical threats-including kidnapping the Gallaghers' daughter - Beth fatally stabs Alex in self-defense during a brutal bathroom struggle. The film initially tested a darker ending where Alex commits suicide and frames Dan for murder, but audiences rejected it, leading to the more conventional but intense finale where Alex is killed by Beth. The ending reinforces themes of obsession, consequences, and the fragility of domestic life.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The final act of Fatal Attraction is a harrowing culmination of Alex's escalating obsession with Dan. After Dan rejects her attempts to rekindle their affair, Alex's behavior becomes increasingly unhinged: she boils the family's pet rabbit, vandalizes their home, and even kidnaps their daughter. The tension peaks when Alex confronts Beth in the Gallaghers' home, wielding a knife. A violent struggle ensues in the bathroom, where Beth ultimately stabs Alex, seemingly killing her. However, in a final jump-scare moment, Alex springs back to life, only to be shot by a police officer who arrives just in time. The film ends with the Gallaghers embracing, their family intact but traumatized by the ordeal.
Unresolved Questions:
1. What motivates Alex's extreme obsession?
- Possible answers: Undiagnosed mental illness (borderline personality disorder is often speculated), deep-seated abandonment issues, or a pathological need for control.
2. Does Dan truly regret his affair, or is he only sorry because of the consequences?
- Possible answers: The film suggests genuine remorse, but his initial dismissal of Alex's feelings implies selfishness.
3. How will the Gallaghers recover from this trauma?
- Possible answers: The ending hints at reconciliation, but the psychological scars (especially for their daughter) may linger.
Themes and Symbolism:
The ending underscores the film's central themes of consequence and the fragility of suburban life. Dan's brief affair shatters his family's sense of security, and Alex embodies the chaotic fallout of his actions. The bathroom-a private, vulnerable space-becomes the battleground, symbolizing the intrusion of violence into domesticity. The rabbit, earlier boiled by Alex, serves as a metaphor for innocent lives destroyed by obsession. The film critiques the casual infidelity of the 1980s yuppie culture, suggesting that such actions can unleash uncontrollable forces.
Original vs. Reshot Ending:
The original ending, deemed too bleak by test audiences, featured Alex slitting her own throat and framing Dan for her murder. This version painted Dan as a doomed figure, punished irreversibly for his mistake. The reshot ending, while more crowd-pleasing, shifts the focus to Beth's resilience, transforming her from victim to protector. Some critics argue the original was more thematically consistent, as it emphasized the irreversible consequences of Dan's actions. However, the theatrical ending delivers a more visceral, cathartic resolution, allowing the audience to root for the Gallaghers' survival.
Personal Opinion:
While the reshot ending provides a satisfying, adrenaline-fueled climax, the original ending is arguably more compelling and morally complex. It forces Dan to confront the full weight of his actions, whereas the theatrical version lets him off relatively unscathed. Glenn Close's performance as Alex is mesmerizing, making her one of cinema's most unforgettable antagonists. The film's exploration of obsession and guilt remains relevant, though its portrayal of Alex as a "psycho femme fatale" has drawn criticism for demonizing mental illness. Overall, Fatal Attraction is a gripping thriller, but its ending-whether by studio mandate or creative choice-softens its darker, more provocative potential.
Final Thoughts:
Fatal Attraction's ending is a masterclass in suspense, blending psychological horror with domestic drama. Whether you prefer the bleak original or the explosive reshot finale, the film leaves a lasting impact. Its legacy lies in its ability to provoke discussion about accountability, obsession, and the price of betrayal. The Gallaghers may survive, but the film ensures the audience feels the cost of their ordeal long after the credits roll.