Netflix has done it again with another psychological thriller that's leaving viewers utterly captivated and deeply unsettled. Eileen, the atmospheric adaptation of Ottessa Moshfegh's acclaimed novel, delivers one of the most shocking third-act twists in recent memory.
A Tale of Unlikely Friendship and Dark Secrets
Set in 1960s New England, the film follows Eileen (Thomasin McKenzie), a withdrawn young woman working at a juvenile detention facility whose mundane existence is turned upside down by the arrival of Rebecca (Anne Hathaway), the facility's glamorous new psychologist.
What begins as an intense, almost obsessive friendship between the two women takes a dramatic turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret about one of the young inmates and proposes a plan that will test Eileen's moral boundaries beyond anything she could have imagined.
The Jaw-Dropping Twist That Changes Everything
Just when viewers think they understand the dynamic between the two women, the film delivers a narrative bombshell that completely recontextualises everything that came before. Without giving too much away, the twist reveals that Rebecca's motivations are far more complex and disturbing than initially apparent.
The climax sees the two women embarking on a dangerous mission that culminates in a shocking act of violence, leaving Eileen to confront the terrifying realisation that the woman she idolised may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Masterful Performances Anchor the Psychological Drama
Thomasin McKenzie delivers a career-defining performance as Eileen, perfectly capturing her transformation from meek prison secretary to willing accomplice. Anne Hathaway is equally compelling as the enigmatic Rebecca, balancing charm and menace in equal measure.
The film's director, William Oldroyd, masterfully builds tension throughout, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread that makes the final twist all the more impactful. The 1960s setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, with the bleak New England winter mirroring Eileen's emotional isolation.
Why This Ending Has Everyone Talking
What makes Eileen's ending so particularly effective is how it subverts audience expectations about female relationships and psychological thrillers. Rather than following a predictable path, the film takes viewers on an unpredictable journey that challenges perceptions of morality, obsession, and the darkness that can lurk beneath surface-level normalcy.
The ambiguous final scenes have sparked countless discussions among viewers, with many debating the true nature of Rebecca's intentions and whether Eileen's transformation represents liberation or damnation.
For those who haven't experienced this cinematic rollercoaster yet, Eileen is now streaming on Netflix, ready to deliver one of the most memorable and disturbing endings you'll see this year.
