To the Bone Ending Explained
TL;DR
The ending of To the Bone (2017) sees Ellen (Lily Collins) reaching a tentative but hopeful turning point in her battle with anorexia. After nearly dying from her condition, she has a vision of her younger self and realizes she wants to live. The film concludes ambiguously but optimistically, with Ellen entering a new treatment program and reconnecting with her estranged mother. While the ending doesn't provide a definitive resolution to her recovery, it emphasizes the ongoing nature of healing and the importance of support systems.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of To the Bone occurs when Ellen's anorexia reaches a life-threatening point. After collapsing and being hospitalized, she experiences a hallucination or near-death vision where she encounters her younger self (played by Collins in a dual role). This moment is pivotal, as it forces Ellen to confront the emotional roots of her disorder-her feelings of abandonment, her strained relationship with her mother, and her internalized self-loathing. The vision culminates in her younger self handing her a metaphorical “key,” symbolizing Ellen's realization that she holds the power to choose life over her illness. This epiphany marks the beginning of her willingness to recover, though the film is careful to avoid suggesting that recovery is instantaneous or linear.
After this vision, Ellen decides to enter a residential treatment program, a choice that signifies her tentative commitment to healing. The final scenes show her reconnecting with her mother (played by Lili Taylor), who has been largely absent from her life. Their reunion is bittersweet, as it hints at the possibility of reconciliation but also underscores the years of emotional distance between them. Ellen's stepmother, Susan (Carrie Preston), who has been a more consistent presence in her life, also remains supportive. The film ends with Ellen taking small but meaningful steps toward recovery, such as eating a meal with her family, but it leaves her future uncertain. This ambiguity reflects the reality of eating disorders: recovery is a lifelong process with ups and downs.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers
- Does Ellen fully recover?
- The film doesn't provide a clear answer, as recovery from anorexia is rarely straightforward. The ending suggests hope but acknowledges the challenges ahead.
- What role does Luke (Keanu Reeves) play in her recovery?
- Luke, her unconventional therapist, helps Ellen confront her issues, but the film avoids romanticizing their relationship. His methods are unorthodox, but they ultimately push her toward self-reflection.
- Will Ellen's relationship with her mother improve?
- The final scene implies a desire for reconciliation, but the film leaves their future relationship open-ended, emphasizing that healing familial wounds takes time.
- What does the “key” in her vision represent?
- It likely symbolizes Ellen's agency-the realization that she can choose to fight her illness, though the path won't be easy.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
The ending of To the Bone is nuanced and realistic, avoiding the trap of a tidy, Hollywood-style resolution. I appreciate that the film doesn't sugarcoat the complexity of eating disorders or suggest that love alone can “fix” someone. Ellen's vision of her younger self is a powerful metaphor for self-forgiveness and the rediscovery of lost innocence. However, some critics argue that the film glamorizes anorexia through its depiction of Ellen's physical decline, which could be triggering for vulnerable viewers. While I think the film handles the subject with sensitivity overall, it's understandable why some find it controversial.
Ultimately, To the Bone is a poignant exploration of mental health, family dynamics, and the slow, painful process of recovery. The ending strikes a balance between hope and realism, leaving room for interpretation while emphasizing that Ellen's journey is far from over. The performances, particularly Collins's raw portrayal of Ellen, elevate the film beyond a simple “issue movie” and make it a compelling, if difficult, watch. The lack of a definitive resolution may frustrate some viewers, but it feels true to the messy, ongoing nature of healing.