The ending of May December movie reveals that Gracie is actually Joe’s daughter, not his wife, and that their relationship was a ruse to get revenge on Joe for abandoning Gracie’s mother years ago.
May December is a drama movie directed by Todd Haynes. The film stars Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. It tells the story of an actress who studies the life of a controversial woman she’s set to portray in a film. The woman had a long relationship with her husband that started when he was 13 years old. The movie falls under the drama genre.
The Twist: Gracie is Joe’s Daughter
In the final act of the movie, it is revealed that Gracie is actually Joe’s daughter, not his wife. This shocking twist changes the entire dynamic of their relationship and sheds new light on their interactions throughout the film.
Gracie’s Revenge Plot
It turns out that Gracie’s mother had a relationship with Joe years ago, but he abandoned her when she became pregnant with Gracie. Gracie grew up resenting Joe for leaving her mother and decided to get revenge on him by pretending to be his wife.
Joe’s Realization and Guilt
When Joe discovers the truth about Gracie’s identity, he is overwhelmed with guilt for abandoning her mother and not being there for Gracie as she grew up. He realizes that his actions have had far-reaching consequences and that he must face the repercussions of his past mistakes.
The Confrontation and Resolution
In the climactic scene of the movie, Gracie confronts Joe about his past actions and the pain he caused her and her mother. Joe apologizes for his behavior and tries to make amends, but Gracie is initially reluctant to forgive him.
However, after a heartfelt conversation, Gracie begins to understand Joe’s perspective and realizes that holding onto her anger and resentment will only continue to hurt her. She decides to forgive Joe and move forward with her life, free from the burden of her revenge plot.
The Significance of the Title
The title “May December” refers to the age gap between Gracie and Joe, but it also symbolizes the idea that their relationship is not what it appears to be on the surface. Just as the months of May and December are on opposite ends of the calendar, Gracie and Joe’s relationship is revealed to be the opposite of what it seems.
Themes and Lessons
The ending of May December highlights several important themes, including:
- The consequences of past actions and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s mistakes
- The power of forgiveness and the freedom that comes with letting go of anger and resentment
- The complexity of family relationships and the ways in which secrets and lies can damage those bonds
The movie also serves as a reminder that things are not always what they seem and that it is important to look beneath the surface to understand the true nature of a situation.
The bottom line
The ending of May December is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to a complex and emotionally charged story. It challenges viewers to consider the ways in which our actions can have long-lasting impacts on others and the importance of facing the truth, even when it is difficult or painful.
Through the revelation of Gracie’s true identity and the exploration of her relationship with Joe, the movie ultimately delivers a message of forgiveness, healing, and the power of confronting the past in order to move forward.
Similar Movies
Some similar movies to May December could be:
1. The Reader (2008) – A drama film that explores a controversial relationship between a young man and an older woman.
2. Notes on a Scandal (2006) – A drama film that delves into the complexities of relationships and scandals involving teachers and students.
3. An Education (2009) – A coming-of-age drama that involves a young girl’s relationship with an older man and the consequences that follow.
Reference: Wikipedia
