Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys (2008) Ending Explained

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By Max Framewell
June 10, 2025

TL;DR: The Family That Preys concludes with a dramatic unraveling of secrets, betrayals, and confrontations among two intertwined families. Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard), lifelong friends, face the fallout of their children's greed and infidelity. The movie ends with Charlotte exposing her son William's corruption, Alice disowning her daughter Andrea for her ruthless ambition, and both women reaffirming their bond. Andrea and William's illicit affair is exposed, leading to their professional and personal downfalls. The finale emphasizes themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, leaving some characters redeemed while others face the repercussions of their actions.


The Ending Explained:
The climax of The Family That Preys brings the simmering tensions between the Cartwright and Pratt families to a boiling point. Charlotte Cartwright, a wealthy matriarch, discovers that her son William (Cole Hauser) has been embezzling from the family company to fund his own ventures. Meanwhile, Alice Pratt learns that her daughter Andrea (Sanaa Lathan) has been having an affair with William, betraying her husband Chris (Rockmond Dunbar) and her own family. The final act is a cascade of confrontations: Charlotte publicly humiliates William by revealing his crimes during a high-stakes business meeting, while Alice confronts Andrea, disowning her for her ruthless pursuit of wealth and status. The film ends with Charlotte and Alice, despite the chaos caused by their children, reaffirming their lifelong friendship and setting off on a road trip together, symbolizing their resilience and refusal to let their children's mistakes define their lives.

Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. What happens to William and Andrea after their downfalls?
- William likely faces legal consequences for his embezzlement, potentially losing his wealth and reputation.
- Andrea, stripped of her social standing and family support, may either face a bitter reality or attempt to rebuild her life elsewhere.
2. Does Chris reconcile with Andrea?
- The film suggests their marriage is irreparably broken, with Chris choosing to move on without her.
3. What becomes of the Cartwright company?
- Charlotte may take control again or appoint a trustworthy successor, ensuring the business's survival.
4. Do Alice and Charlotte's other children learn from the drama?
- While not explicitly shown, the film implies that the remaining family members might grow closer, valuing integrity over ambition.

Themes and Symbolism:
The ending underscores the film's central themes: the corrosive nature of greed and the enduring power of genuine relationships. Charlotte and Alice's road trip represents freedom from their children's drama and a return to simpler, more meaningful values. The collapse of William and Andrea's schemes serves as a moral lesson about the futility of betraying loved ones for personal gain. The film also critiques class and racial dynamics, as Andrea's obsession with climbing the social ladder ultimately isolates her from her roots. The final scenes, with the two matriarchs driving into the sunset, suggest that wisdom and friendship can weather even the most destructive storms.

Character Arcs and Redemption:
Alice's journey is particularly poignant; she begins as a humble, kind-hearted woman and ends with the strength to cut ties with her toxic daughter. Charlotte, though privileged, shows vulnerability and moral clarity in holding her son accountable. Conversely, Andrea and William are left to face the ruins of their own making, with no clear path to redemption. Chris, though wounded, emerges with dignity, symbolizing the possibility of healing after betrayal. The film's resolution favors those who prioritize love and integrity, while punishing those who exploit others for power.

Personal Opinion:
The Family That Preys delivers a satisfying, if melodramatic, conclusion that ties up its central conflicts while leaving room for reflection. The performances, particularly by Bates and Woodard, elevate the material, making the emotional beats resonate. However, some plot twists feel overly contrived, and the villains' comeuppances border on theatrical. Still, the film's heart lies in the friendship between Charlotte and Alice, which feels authentic and uplifting. The ending's emphasis on forgiveness and new beginnings is a powerful takeaway, even if the execution occasionally leans into soap-opera territory. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of family, class, and morality, with a finale that rewards its most virtuous characters.