Eileen Ending Explained, Release Date, Cast, Plot, Review, Where to Watch and More
by Mathelene
Updated Dec 11, 2023
Eileen (2023)
Eileen is a 2023 psychological thriller movie directed by William Oldroyd, based on Ottessa Moshfegh's 2015 novel. Ottessa Moshfegh and her husband Luke Goebel adapted the novel for the screen. The film features Thomasin McKenzie, Shea Whigham, Marin Ireland, Owen Teague, and Anne Hathaway. It is set in 1960s Massachusetts and follows the troubling relationship between two women working at a juvenile detention center.
The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, and had a limited release in the United States on December 1, 2023, followed by a wider release on December 8, 2023, by Neon. Critics praised "Eileen" for its strong cast performances, capturing the period atmosphere accurately, and staying true to the source material. Overall, the film received positive reviews for its compelling storytelling and execution.
Eileen Ending Explained
At the end of "Eileen" (2023), after a dark turn of events involving abuse and manipulation, Eileen, played by Thomasin McKenzie, expresses her love to Rebecca, portrayed by Anne Hathaway. However, when their plan to frame Eileen's father for a crime goes awry, Rebecca doesn't show up as expected.
Eileen, disappointed and unsure of Rebecca's true intentions, decides not to frame her father and leaves Rita's body by the lake. The film leaves viewers questioning Rebecca's motives and sincerity, as she remains enigmatic throughout.
Eileen, now disillusioned, hitchhikes out of town, reflecting on the uncertainty of her relationship with Rebecca and the events that unfolded. The ending is marked by ambiguity, raising doubts about whether Rebecca genuinely cared for Eileen or had ulterior motives.
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Eileen Release Date
Eileen had its first showing at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, and later had a limited release in the United States starting on December 1, 2023. A week after the initial release, on December 8, the film expanded to a wider audience. Neon secured the distribution rights for North America in March 2023, making a $15 million deal.
Additionally, in July 2023, Focus Features obtained global distribution rights outside of North America. Universal Pictures, Focus Features' parent company, handled the distribution on behalf of Focus Features. The film was scheduled for release in the United Kingdom and Ireland on the same day as its limited release in the United States. This distribution arrangement allowed the movie to reach audiences in different regions, marking a significant step in its release strategy.
Eileen Plot
In 1960s Massachusetts, Eileen Dunlop worked at a facility for teenage boys. At her job, Eileen faces rejection from her coworkers and daydreams about a guard. Back home, she lives with her widowed and alcoholic father, Jim, a former police chief who is emotionally abusive and paranoid.
Eileen often imagines harming herself and her father. The story revolves around Eileen's challenging life, both at work and in her troubled home environment. As she copes with isolation, unfulfilled fantasies, and the difficult relationship with her father, the plot unfolds against the backdrop of a corrections facility. The narrative captures the complexities of Eileen's struggles, painting a vivid picture of her daily life during this tumultuous period in Massachusetts.
Eileen Cast
Thomasin McKenzie
Eileen Dunlop
Anne Hathaway
Rebecca
Shea Whigham
Jim Dunlop
Marin Ireland
Rita Polk
Sam Nivola
Lee Polk
Owen Teague
Randy
Jefferson White
Buck Warren
Tonye Patano
Mrs. Stevens
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Mrs. Murray
Actor
Character
Eileen Review
The 2023 film "Eileen," based on Ottessa Moshfegh's psychological novel, unfolds a slow-paced yet engaging tale of desperation and co-dependency. Set in 1960s Massachusetts, Thomasin McKenzie portrays Eileen, a reserved secretary in a boys' prison, whose monotonous life transforms with the arrival of Anne Hathaway's mysterious therapist character, Rebecca. As their friendship evolves, complexities arise, especially with their shared interest in inmate Lee Polk.
Eileen, a loner with a vivid imagination, yearns for escape from her mundane life with her alcoholic father, Jim, played by Shea Whigham. The film's deliberate pacing, though occasionally testing patience, effectively contrasts Eileen's bleak reality with Rebecca's vibrant presence.
The story unfolds primarily through Eileen's eyes, offering insights into her motivations. The final act, while lengthy, brings a satisfying payoff with unexpected twists, leaving some questions lingering. Despite its slower pace, "Eileen" delivers moments of intensity that make the journey worthwhile.
Eileen Where to Watch?
You can watch "Eileen" by renting or buying it on Vudu, a streaming platform. This means you have the option to either temporarily access the movie through a rental or own a digital copy by purchasing it. Vudu provides a convenient online platform where you can stream and enjoy the film at your own pace.
Whether you choose to rent for a specific duration or purchase for indefinite access, Vudu offers flexibility in how you experience "Eileen." Simply visit the Vudu website, search for the movie, and select the rental or purchase option that suits your preference. This way, you can easily enjoy the psychological thriller from the comfort of your home through the streaming services provided by Vudu.
Eileen Trailer
Eileen Ending Explained - FAQs
"Eileen" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023.
The limited theatrical release in the United States started on December 1, 2023.
William Oldroyd directed "Eileen," and Ottessa Moshfegh, along with her husband Luke Goebel, adapted the screenplay based on Ottessa Moshfegh's novel.
"Eileen" revolves around the parasitic relationship between two women working at a juvenile detention facility in 1960s Massachusetts.
Lee Polk's story involves his troubled past, including the abuse he endured from his father, which becomes a focal point in the plot.