The Front Room ending explained: What happens between Solange and Belinda?

As a seasoned horror movie enthusiast who’s witnessed a plethora of twisted narratives, I must say that A24’s latest psychological horror offering, The Front Room, has left me with a peculiar mix of intrigue and disappointment. The film’s unique premise, coupled with the stellar performances by Brandy, Kathryn Hunter, Andrew Burnap, and others, initially drew me in like a moth to a flame. However, I found myself feeling underwhelmed and slightly let down by its anticlimactic ending.

The newest psychological horror film from A24 titled “The Front Room” has been released in theaters, and it’s garnering quite a variety of opinions, ranging from both critics and audiences. This movie revolves around a pair of parents with a newborn who find themselves in an unexpected situation when they are compelled to welcome their estranged stepmother, known for her peculiar and ominous behaviors. Starring Brandy and Kathryn Hunter, this film promises a chilling and suspenseful experience.

Initially, we meet the main characters, Belinda and Norman (Andrew Burnap), as they get ready for their newborn daughter’s arrival. However, Norman receives devastating news about his father’s passing from stomach cancer. In a strange turn of events, his stepmother Solange (Hunter) requires a place to live, offering her entire wealth in exchange. This proposal would enable the couple to clear their home mortgage and other debts. Naturally, this offer is hard to resist, but it comes with significant consequences as revealed later in the play The Front Room.

The Front Room ending explained: What happens between Solange and Belinda?

The showdown between Solange and Belinda comes to an ugly head

In the film titled The Front Room, events unfold swiftly as tensions between Solange and Belinda intensify at an alarming rate, culminating in a tragic ending where Solange loses her life. At first glance, it appears as though Solange passed away peacefully in her sleep. However, on one particular night, she is shown lying there, repeating the question “Why can’t I die?” repeatedly.

In the thrilling climax of the movie, it turned out that my character, Belinda, had reached her breaking point. That fateful night, I found myself in Solange’s room, silencing her with a pillow in an act that was far from what I had expected our showdown to be. Honestly, the ending felt rather subdued compared to the build-up, as it seemed like our storyline was steering towards a more explosive conclusion for us two.

Solange and Norman’s twisted relationship

One aspect that stands out in “The Front Room” is how it portrays Solange as having been abusive towards Norman during his childhood, and there remains an unsettling complexity to their relationship as adults. Belinda becomes aware of this disturbance, as she experiences distorted fantasies regarding them. For instance, one such fantasy resembles a chilling nightmare that appears to have been inspired by the “Barbarian” scenario; it depicts a dream version of Solange nursing an adult Norman.

It’s understandable that Belinda harbored such doubts, given her difficulty in getting Laurie to latch on and breastfeed. Ever since the loss of their previous child, Wallace, Belinda has grappled with motherly insecurities. Additionally, a part of her felt apprehensive, believing Solange held some mysterious influence over her child, husband, and even the household as a whole.

Eventually, it appears that Solange didn’t possess genuine mystical powers as one might think. However, she managed to significantly influence Belinda’s perception of her own house, and that in itself is quite unsettling.

The Front Room is now playing in select theaters.

2024-09-07 00:25