Understanding the Ending of Netflix’s In Her Place: Reasons Behind Mercedes’ Need to Leave Geel’s Apartment

The Chilean historical crime drama film In Her Place made its debut on September 23, 2024, during the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival. Directed by Maite Alberdi, it became available for streaming on Netflix on October 11, 2024.

The film’s synopsis outlines the intriguing plot:

“Following the murder of her lover by Chilean writer María Carolina Geel, the case becomes a fixation for the introverted legal secretary Mercedes, leading to an unexpected bond between the two.”

Drawing inspiration from actual events and based on Alia Trabucco Zerán’s novel The Murderers, the narrative centers around a notorious 1955 incident where writer María Carolina Geel fatally injured her lover at the Crillón Hotel. In Her Place explores the repercussions of this event through the perspective of Mercedes, a legal secretary involved in Geel’s trial.

As Mercedes delves deeper into the intricacies of Geel’s case, she begins to identify parallels between their life stories. Eventually, she finds herself residing in Geel’s apartment, but must ultimately relinquish it when Geel receives a presidential pardon and her sentence is reduced.

The Ending of In Her Place: Mercedes is Forced to Leave Geel’s Apartment

Mercedes serves as a legal secretary for Judge Aliro, who finds himself navigating the complexities of Geel’s highly publicized case following her arrest. As the events unfold, Mercedes becomes significantly involved in the situation.

At first, she is assigned the duty of collecting clothes for Geel from her apartment, as Geel is detained until the judicial proceedings have concluded. Like many others, Mercedes initially harbors negative feelings towards Geel. However, over time, she begins to empathize with Geel’s circumstances.

As time progresses, Mercedes spends an increasing amount of time in Geel’s apartment, which transforms into a sanctuary for her—a space where she can find refuge from the burdensome chores expected of women.

Women like Mercedes often bear immense societal pressures, expected to handle various household duties. In Her Place subtly reveals Mercedes’s resentment toward these imposed responsibilities, despite her general acquiescence.

Consequently, Geel’s apartment evolves into a comforting haven for Mercedes, a place where she can rediscover her passion for photography and experience moments of solitude, free from domestic demands and familial obligations.

As the film progresses, Judge Aliro sentences Geel to 541 days in prison, bringing relief to Mercedes who hopes to enjoy the apartment a bit longer. Yet, due to Geel’s prominent societal status, she is later granted a presidential pardon that nullifies her sentence.

By the conclusion of In Her Place, a heartbroken Mercedes witnesses Geel return to the apartment. However, Mercedes had a glimpse of liberation during her time there, suggesting that her life will likely be altered permanently.

The Connection Between Mercedes and Geel’s Lives

The title In Her Place alludes to the profound connections between individual experiences. The film illustrates that the struggles faced by women resist categorization by class, as the overall patriarchal structure of society creates similar challenges for all.

The narrative hints that Geel embodies the spirit of a strong-willed woman who has suffered at the hands of men. Conversely, although Mercedes presents a more submissive demeanor, the disparaging and patronizing attitudes she endures are no less damaging.

For example, her husband dismisses her interest in photography, and while others enjoy family gatherings, she is tethered to kitchen duties. In Geel’s apartment, Mercedes embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Midway through, during a conversation in Geel’s prison cell, Geel divulges how society often belittles unapologetically strong women and stifles those who are more subdued. This resonates deeply with Mercedes, whose life experiences echo this sentiment.

Thus, In Her Place narrates the tale of two distinct women, united by shared experiences in a predominantly patriarchal world.

The Motivations Behind Geel’s Crime

The motive behind Geel’s crime is never directly stated in In Her Place, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. The brothers of the victim, Roberto, speculate that Geel’s jealousy over Roberto’s new relationship post-breakup may have driven her to murder him, but this remains one of several theories.

In her defense, Geel claims that she grew weary of men dominating her life. On the night of the incident, she possessed a gun prior to arriving at the hotel.

This implies that the murder was premeditated, potentially indicating that Geel sought retribution against Roberto for his treatment of her.

Adding complexity to the case is the report that Geel kissed Roberto after his death, hinting at lingering feelings for him.

Consequently, In Her Place presents a nuanced narrative that blurs the lines between right and wrong, particularly when the perpetrator herself is a victim of systemic bias.

You can currently stream In Her Place on Netflix.

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