The Voyeurs (2020) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
The Voyeurs (2021) is a psychological thriller about a young couple, Pippa and Thomas, who become obsessed with spying on their seemingly perfect neighbors, Julia and Seb. Their voyeurism escalates into dangerous territory as they uncover dark secrets, leading to a twist-filled climax where Julia manipulates Pippa into killing Seb, only for Pippa to realize too late that she's been framed. The movie ends with Pippa in prison, Julia free, and Thomas missing-leaving the audience questioning who was truly pulling the strings.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The finale of The Voyeurs is a whirlwind of betrayal, manipulation, and shocking revelations. After Pippa and Thomas discover that Julia and Seb's relationship is far from ideal - Seb is abusive, and Julia is trapped-their initial fascination turns into a misguided attempt to "save" Julia. Pippa, increasingly obsessed, crosses the line from observer to participant when she confronts Seb, leading to a violent altercation. Julia, however, has been manipulating the situation all along. She plants evidence to make it seem like Pippa killed Seb in cold blood, ensuring Pippa takes the fall while Julia walks away unscathed. The final scenes show Pippa in prison, desperately trying to prove her innocence, while Julia enjoys her newfound freedom.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers:
1. What happened to Thomas?
- He might have been killed by Julia to tie up loose ends.
- He could have fled, realizing the danger too late.
- Julia may have framed him as well, leaving his fate ambiguous.
2. Was Julia always planning this, or did she improvise?
- The meticulous framing suggests premeditation.
- She might have seized the opportunity when Pippa became involved.
3. Did Pippa ever have a chance to escape her fate?
- Her obsession blinded her to Julia's manipulations.
- If she had gone to the police earlier, the outcome might have differed.
Themes and Symbolism:
The film explores themes of voyeurism, trust, and the dangers of obsession. Pippa and Thomas's descent into chaos mirrors the age-old warning about the perils of invading others' privacy. The apartment windows serve as a metaphor for the illusion of transparency-what they see isn't the full truth. Julia, the master manipulator, represents the unpredictability of human nature, proving that the couple's assumptions about her were fatally flawed. The ending underscores the idea that some secrets are better left unseen.
Personal Opinion:
The Voyeurs delivers a gripping, if somewhat convoluted, thriller with a satisfyingly twisted ending. While the pacing can feel uneven, the final act's tension is palpable, and Justice Smith's performance as Pippa sells her desperation perfectly. The twist is effective but relies heavily on Julia's near-omniscient scheming, which stretches believability. Still, the film succeeds as a cautionary tale about the dangers of curiosity and the illusion of control. The unresolved fate of Thomas adds an extra layer of unease, making the ending linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Final Thoughts:
The movie's strength lies in its ability to keep the audience guessing until the very end. While not without flaws, The Voyeurs is a compelling watch for fans of psychological thrillers, offering a dark, twisty narrative that challenges perceptions of guilt and innocence. The ending, though bleak, feels fitting for a story about the consequences of crossing boundaries-both literal and moral.