Bones & All: A Complete Ending Explanation

Bones and All, directed by Luca Guadagnino, presents a unique narrative that intertwines love and cannibalism, culminating in an emotionally charged conclusion. The story follows Maren, portrayed by Taylor Russell, who, after being abandoned by her father due to her unsettling desires, embarks on a quest to locate her long-lost mother. Throughout her journey, Maren learns that she is not alone in her cravings; she encounters other “eaters, ”including the menacing Sully (Mark Rylance) and the charming Lee (Timothée Chalamet), who becomes a significant figure in her life.

Guadagnino, well-known for his previous works such as Call Me by Your Name and the 2018 remake of Suspiria, is adept at exploring themes of unconventional love and psychological intensity. The premise of a “cannibal love story”is indeed audacious, and Bones and All navigates this premise by blending elements of romance with horror as the connection between Maren and Lee evolves. Nevertheless, the film concludes with unanswered questions that invite deeper examination.

What Happens in Bones and All’s Ending?

Lee Makes a Final Request

Having established a semblance of a normal life together, Maren and Lee’s tranquility is shattered when Sully, a dubious figure from Maren’s past, reappears. Sully, furious that Maren has distanced herself, invades their home, leading to a violent confrontation. Lee arrives just in time to protect her but is grievously injured during the struggle. In his final moments, Lee implores Maren to consume him. Despite her initial apprehensions and grief, a passionate kiss prompts her to reconsider his heartbreaking request.

Does Maren Eat Lee?

The Gruesome Moment Is Not Shown

Maren’s struggle with Lee’s request showcases her emotional turmoil. As she grapples with the reality of Lee’s impending death and his acceptance of her true nature, she ultimately resolves to comply with his wish. Although the film does not depict the act of consumption graphically, it implies that Maren does follow through. The camera cuts to an empty apartment, hinting that she has indeed satisfied his request before departing.

How Does the Bones and All Movie Compare to the Book?

Maren Is a Very Different “Eater”in the Source Material

Adapted from Camille DeAngelis’s 2015 novel of the same name, Bones and All maintains a central premise but deviates in key narrative aspects. Notably, in the book, it is Maren’s mother who abandons her, prompting Maren to seek out her father — a reversal of the movie’s plotline. The characters that Maren feels compelled to consume in the novel are those who exhibit affection towards her, a nuance that is less explicit in the film.

As is often the case with adaptations, some rich details from the book are lost in translation to the screen. In the original novel, Maren consumes her victims entirely, “bones and all, ”whereas the film depicts a more fragmented approach to her cannibalistic impulses. In a crucial scene featuring Jake, played by Michael Stuhlbarg, it is revealed to Maren and Lee that “eaters”achieve their full potential through complete consumption—a rite of passage echoed in the film but left less explored.

Why Does Lee Want Maren to Eat Him?

Lee Shows a Final Act of Love

The bond shared by Maren and Lee is unparalleled throughout their tumultuous journey. They are drawn to one another in a connection that transcends traditional romance, particularly as Maren’s desire for affection aligns with her cannibalistic tendencies. Lee’s unusual request may stem from both love and an understanding of Maren’s struggles; by offering himself, he grants her a chance to satisfy her cravings while also ensuring she does not have to harm another innocent soul.

Despite her reluctance toward violence, Maren gradually comes to terms with her identity, with Lee often taking the initiative during their more gruesome encounters. His final act could be interpreted as a way for her to avoid the moral conflict associated with killing while still embracing her nature.

What Does “Bones and All”Mean?

It Is the Full Commitment to Being an “Eater”

In a pivotal Missouri river scene, the phrase “bones and all”serves as a metaphor for a rite of passage among those who share Maren’s fate. This concept encapsulates broader themes of acceptance and transformation, evident in Maren’s journey following Lee’s death. The film’s closing imagery, suggesting that she may have fully embraced her nature, indicates her evolution and readiness to navigate life independently.

The Real Meaning of Bones and All’s Ending

It’s About the Deeper Connection Between Maren & Lee

The film portrays a profound love between Maren and Lee, with the latter’s final plea acting as a means to achieve ultimate intimacy. Their relationship, rich in affection yet punctuated by challenges, depicts a deep longing for connection. The film draws parallels to Guadagnino’s earlier work, Call Me by Your Name, emphasizing how deeply intertwined their lives have become. In their joint desire to unite, Lee sacrifices himself, encapsulating their profound bond.

Ultimately, Bones and All explores the poignant search for normalcy amidst their horrifying reality. The couple’s aspiration to live ordinary lives is beautifully encapsulated in Maren’s plea: “Let’s be people. Let’s be them for a while.” Final scenes of the pair in a tender embrace in a sunlit field evoke a sense of normalcy, leaving Maren with a cherished memory as she embarks on her lone journey.

How The Bones And All Ending Was Received

The Ending Images Led to Speculation About Maren’s Future

Audience reactions to the ending of Bones and All have generally been positive, with viewers appreciating the finality of Maren and Lee’s unconventional love story. Mixed interpretations of the ending emphasize the complexity of Maren’s future. Observations from audiences, including one from Reddit, discuss underlying implications:

[T]he scene cuts and the camera pans down and under the bed is a strand of what looks like rope. I’m assuming for a noose? Because you can see the blood stains on the hardwood floor still sort of and then the scene goes to Lee and Maren in the field which I interpreted as “Heaven”.I came to this conclusion because earlier and throughout the movie Sully and I think Lee says you can only get out of the curse in one of three ways: 1. Mental Institution.2. Being eaten.3. Killing yourself. It would make sense if Maren then kills herself in a sort of “Romeo Juliet” scenario because then we, the viewers, would have seen all of the ways to get out of the curse. This is just my take on it.

While it remains ambiguous how intentional this interpretation was on the filmmakers’ part, it certainly resonates within the narrative’s tragic undertones. Conversely, other viewers argue for a more uplifting interpretation, suggesting that the final moments encapsulate the essence of unity forged through shared trauma and experiences. As articulated by another fan:

I believe it connects to the ending when Lee tells her to eat him bones and all which is described earlier in the film as being some transcendent experience. I think the symbolism of them lying naked together represents some sort of final deep connection that is granted when Maren finally eats Lee at his request. The two connected over trauma and family hardships but also seemed to fundamentally disagree on a lot of things and this seemed to symbolize a true union and understanding between both of them.

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