Mothers’ Instinct ending explained: Delving into that shocking twist

As a fan of gripping dramas that keep me on the edge of my seat, Mothers’ Instinct has certainly delivered! This psychological thriller starring Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good twisty tale.


Mothers’ Instinct has the kind of twisty, bonkers ending we love to see in a campy melodrama.

In this movie based on Barbara Abel’s 2012 novel “Behind the Hatred”, Academy Award-winning actresses Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain play roles. Their characters, who are both mothers living as neighbors, experience rising tensions following a devastating accident.

Back in the swinging ’60s, I found myself immersed in a cinematic world where I, as Alice Chastain, bore witness to an heart-wrenching event – the tragic demise of Céline Hathaway’s little boy, Max.

From Alice’s garden, she watches Max precariously attempt to install a birdhouse while standing on the balcony railing. Alarmed, she rushes into her neighbor’s home to prevent him from falling. Unfortunately, she arrives too late and Max falls, resulting in his death. Although it wasn’t her fault, guilt consumes her as Céline’s life spirals out of control right before her eyes.

In due time, the once blossoming bond between the two women deteriorates as Céline becomes consumed by the mystery of their falling out, while Alice grows increasingly concerned for the well-being of her friend Max’s friend Theo, her own son.

Currently streaming on Netflix UK, the series “Mothers’ Instinct” initially presents a tranquil suburban setting. However, it swiftly transforms into a chilling narrative filled with suspicion and murder.

Major spoilers ahead.

Mothers' Instinct ending explained: Delving into that shocking twist

Mothers’ Instinct ending explained

Following a time of grieving spent away from her home, Céline decides to return and is eager to reconnect with the family of Alice.

Yet, Alice feels uneasy about Celine and Theo’s increasing bond. Their mutual grief seems to bring them closer, leading Theo to effectively designate Celine as his new best friend. This is evident when he extends an invitation to her for his birthday celebration.

Alice harbors suspicions that Céline might be plotting revenge against her because she didn’t save Max, or maybe intends to kidnap her son as a substitute. And guess what? Her concerns turn out to be justified!

Celine is determinedly overcoming every barrier standing between her and motherhood for Theo, and her strategy begins to take clear shape during the unfortunate birthday celebration.

Mothers' Instinct ending explained: Delving into that shocking twist

At the celebration, it was Theo’s grandma Jean, who is married to Alice’s spouse Simon, that unexpectedly passed away due to a heart attack, as the postmortem examination confirmed. This unfortunate event occurred because she had neglected her medication.

Alice finds it odd that Grandma Jean seems to regularly forget things she does daily, leading her to suspect that Celine may have swapped out her heart medication for another drug. And once more, she’s proved correct!

In the upcoming events, it is Celine who becomes the tragic instrument of death for her spouse, Damian. She ends his life, subsequently arranging the setting to suggest that he took his own life.

In an attempt to portray herself as a vulnerable widow on the verge of a desperate act, Simon feels compassion for her and asks her to live with them, much to Alice’s annoyance.

Mothers' Instinct ending explained: Delving into that shocking twist

For her final act, Celine employs chloroform to render Alice and Simon unconscious in their beds, followed by triggering a gas leak that ignites a fire, ultimately claiming their lives. Meanwhile, she administers chloroform to Theo while he’s asleep before removing him from the house, ostensibly preserving his life.

Since Theo’s biological family – his parents and grandmother – has passed away, Céline appears to be the most logical choice as his guardian. In a courtroom setting, we witness a judge entrusting her with custody of Alice’s child, unaware that Céline harbors a nefarious intention towards the young boy.

The film concludes with Celine and Theo strolling along the shoreline, a scene that might appear as a joyful, restorative finale if one wasn’t aware of the struggles they had to overcome to reach this point.

Mothers' Instinct ending explained: Delving into that shocking twist

How Mothers’ Instinct changes the book’s ending

The story depicted in “Mothers’ Instinct” is based on Barbara Abel’s 2012 novel “Behind the Hatred“, however, it has several distinct variations from the original plot.

In this film adaption, Abel’s tale is shifted slightly beyond Paris, maintaining a contemporary atmosphere. The principal characters are named Laetitia and Tiphaine. This updated version retains the suburban backdrop but transports the story to the swinging ’60s. Furthermore, the narrative shifts from France to America as the action unfolds.

A significant twist occurs towards the end, as it’s unveiled that not only Céline, but also her spouse Damian, were involved in the sinister plot to orchestrate the murders of Simon and Alice. Their intention was to make it appear as if their deaths were suicides, thereby enabling them to acquire custody of Theo.

In the film, they opt to exclude Damian, thereby making the narrative a solitary, deadly adventure for a woman.

Mothers’ Instinct is now available on Netflix UK.

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2024-09-04 12:49

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