Nocturnal Animals

Main Plot

Nocturnal Animals follows a successful art gallery owner named Susan Morrow, who is living a seemingly perfect life with her wealthy husband. However, she becomes increasingly unsettled when she receives a manuscript for a novel written by her ex-husband, Edward Sheffield. The story within the manuscript is a dark and violent tale that parallels Susan's own life and their tumultuous relationship. As Susan reads the gripping narrative, which revolves around a man seeking revenge after a tragic event, she is forced to confront her past choices and the emotional scars they left behind. The film weaves between Susan's present life and the fictional world of the novel, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. As the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, Susan grapples with her feelings of regret and the haunting impact of her past decisions.

Characters

• Amy Adams plays Susan Morrow, an art gallery owner who receives a disturbing manuscript from her ex-husband, leading her to confront her past choices and current discontent.
• Jake Gyllenhaal plays Edward Sheffield, a writer who sends his ex-wife a novel symbolizing their relationship and his emotional turmoil, intertwining reality with fictional revenge.
• Michael Shannon plays Detective Bobby Andes, who assists the protagonist in investigating his wife and daughter's abduction and murder in the novel within the film.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Nocturnal Animals, the narrative culminates in a powerful intersection of the two storylines: the fictional tale within the novel and the real-life events between the protagonist, Susan, and her ex-husband, Edward. After reading Edward's manuscript, which depicts a brutal revenge story, Susan is deeply affected by its themes of loss, betrayal, and vengeance. The novel mirrors her own life, reflecting her feelings of regret over her past decisions, particularly her choice to leave Edward for another man. As the film progresses, Susan grapples with her emotions, leading to a moment of confrontation with her current life. The climax occurs when she prepares to meet Edward for dinner, symbolizing a potential reconciliation or confrontation about their shared history. However, when she arrives at the restaurant, she finds herself alone, waiting for someone who may not come, representing her isolation and the finality of their relationship. The ending emphasizes the impact of choices and the haunting nature of unresolved feelings. It leaves viewers contemplating the consequences of actions and the emotional scars they leave behind, ultimately connecting the narrative threads of love, loss, and the quest for closure.