Death Becomes Her Ending Explained
“Death Becomes Her,” the 1992 dark comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, has left audiences puzzled and intrigued by its unconventional ending. The movie follows the lives of two aging rivals, Madeline Ashton (played by Meryl Streep) and Helen Sharp (played by Goldie Hawn), who become entangled in a quest for eternal youth and beauty. As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a wild ride filled with humor, deceit, and unexpected twists.
In the final act of the film, Madeline and Helen find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of physical decay and resurrection. Their pursuit of everlasting beauty leads them to a mysterious woman named Lisle Von Rhuman (played by Isabella Rossellini), who offers them a potion that promises eternal youth. However, this elixir comes with a catch – they must drink it together and remain forever young or face dire consequences.
As Madeline and Helen indulge in their newfound youthful appearances, they soon discover that their bodies are becoming increasingly fragile. They find themselves falling apart literally, with limbs detaching and heads spinning around their necks. In their desperation to reverse the effects of the potion, they seek out Lisle once again.
Lisle reveals to them that there is no way to undo what has been done. The potion has granted them immortality but at the cost of living in an eternal state of decay. They are condemned to spend eternity as walking corpses, forever trapped in their deteriorating bodies.
The film’s ending takes a surprising turn when Madeline and Helen realize that they have become prisoners of their own vanity. In a moment of clarity, they come to understand that true beauty lies not in physical appearance but in self-acceptance and inner contentment.
As they confront Lisle one last time, they decide to break free from the cycle of eternal youth and embrace their mortality. They choose to let go of their obsession with beauty and live the rest of their lives as they are, accepting the natural process of aging.
The ending of “Death Becomes Her” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing after an unattainable ideal. It highlights the importance of self-acceptance and finding happiness within oneself, rather than relying on external validation.
Additionally, the film’s ending also raises questions about the nature of immortality. While many people may dream of living forever, “Death Becomes Her” reminds us that eternal life comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices. It suggests that perhaps the beauty of life lies in its impermanence and the ability to appreciate each moment as it comes.
In conclusion, “Death Becomes Her” offers a thought-provoking and unexpected ending that forces viewers to reflect on society’s obsession with youth and beauty. It serves as a reminder that true beauty comes from within and that chasing after an unattainable ideal can lead to disastrous consequences. Ultimately, the film encourages us to embrace our mortality and find joy in the fleeting moments that make up our lives.
