Hippopotamus Movie Ending Explained, Synopsis, and Plot
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 26, 2023
Hippopotamus
Written and directed by Edward A. Palmer, Hippopotamus is an independent film that was produced on a shoestring budget of approximately £5,000. The movie made its initial debut at film festivals in 2018, introducing audiences to Palmer's unique storytelling vision.
With Palmer at the helm, Hippopotamus showcases his creative and directorial prowess as he brings the story to life on the screen. Despite the constraints of a limited budget, Palmer's ability to craft a compelling narrative and engage viewers is evident in the film's reception at the festivals.
His dedication to the project and his creative choices contribute to the film's distinct style and presentation. Through Hippopotamus, Palmer demonstrates his talent as both a writer and a director, establishing himself as a promising filmmaker in the indie film scene.
Hippopotamus Movie Ending Explained
Towards the conclusion of the film Hippopotamus, it becomes increasingly evident that Ruby is playing along with Tom's manipulative game. Tom believes that he has finally managed to fix Ruby, molding her into the person he desires, and they engage in a sexual encounter. However, immediately after this intimate moment, Ruby's anger reaches a breaking point, and she viciously attacks Tom with a shard of the mirror before fleeing.
As Ruby searches for an escape, she stumbles upon a boat but succumbs to exhaustion and faints. The scene then transitions to a hospital room, where Ruby is seen lying on a bed. A doctor enters the room and informs her that the operation was successful. Once the doctor exits, the camera reveals that the doctor is actually Tom, who stares directly into the camera.
The ending of Hippopotamus serves to highlight that Tom had been deceiving Ruby right from the start, manipulating her and shaping her perceptions according to his own desires. He orchestrated false memories and presented himself as a savior figure to win her over. Additionally, it is possible that Tom was allowing Ruby time to "reboot" her mind, hoping that eventually, after all that had transpired, she would fall in love with him once again.
Hippopotamus Movie 2020 Plot
In a desolate room with damp floors and brick walls, the main character, Ruby, regains consciousness. Her head and knees are bandaged, and she finds herself unable to remember anything and unable to walk. It is revealed that Ruby has been kidnapped by a man named Thomas Allcraft, who enters the room and informs her of his actions. He declares that she will remain his prisoner until she falls in love with him.
Thomas proceeds to provide Ruby with information about her identity, stating that her name is Ruby Watts and she is 25 years old. He tells her that she attended law school, was born in Dorset, and her mother worked as a paramedic while her father was an architect.
Ruby is also described as an only child who still harbors a fear of the dark. Thomas places Ruby's bag in a distant corner of the room, assuring her that he hasn't tampered with its contents. He warns her that he has severed the ligaments in her knees to prevent her from escaping.
Thomas leaves Ruby's food on a tray, promising to deliver it three times a day. He also provides her with painkillers and a birth control pill. He assures Ruby that he will personally assist her in using the toilet whenever she requests it and outlines the rules of their captivity.
The lights in the room turn on at 7 am and off at 11 pm, and he explicitly advises her against attempting to flee since they are located 10 miles away from the nearest settlement. When Ruby questions if he hates her, Thomas denies it before leaving the room. As time passes, Ruby finds herself repeatedly sitting against the wall with Thomas standing before her, repeating the same words and witnessing her bewildered expression.
It appears as though her memory is continually "rebooted," causing her to forget recent events. Thomas consistently recites the same script, reinforcing Ruby's identity and history: "Your name is Ruby Watts, you are 25 years old..." Each repetition introduces new details.
Gradually, Ruby begins to play along with Thomas's game, attempting to ingratiate herself with him. When Thomas brings her a book, she experiences a sudden recollection from her past. He explains that it is her favorite book and that certain triggers, such as objects, sounds, or sensations, can help restore lost memories.
During dinner, Ruby bravely questions Thomas about any other girls he has kidnapped prior to her. He insists that she is the only one he has ever taken. Another day dawns, and Ruby decides to remove the bandages from her knees, discovering that her legs are fully functional, and she can walk.
In a surprising turn of events, she finds matches hidden in brick from the wall, revealing their source. It is revealed that Ruby had been requesting candles for a romantic atmosphere during dinner, secretly saving the burnt matches. During another dinner, Thomas serves a special dish that triggers a memory of a restaurant scene.
In this recollection, Ruby and Thomas are depicted as a happy couple celebrating their anniversary. Certain scenes become jumbled, like when Ruby, donning a large brown sweater, attempts to escape but is called back by Thomas, who reminds her that it's cold outside and she needs a coat. The following scene reverts to a different day, with Ruby wearing a white T-shirt, yet the events repeat.
On one occasion, Ruby remembers their graduation dance, during which Thomas confessed his love for her and expressed his desire to spend the rest of his life with her. According to Thomas, he discovered Ruby being raped by her friend Nick and, in a fit of rage, killed him. He then placed an unconscious Ruby in a friend's car and transported her to the coast.
Together, they crossed by boat to an abandoned farm on an island. When Ruby awoke, she had no memory of the events. Thomas claims that he has been trying to help her recover her memory and reintegrate into a normal life. The film showcases scenes of Thomas diligently assisting Ruby day after day. She frequently confuses the meaning of words, stating that her memories gather in the Hippopotamus, mistakenly referring to the hypothalamus region of the brain. This likely explains the film's title.
Where to Watch Hippopotamus Movie 2020?
Hippopotamus is now available for streaming on popular platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Flix Premiere, allowing audiences to enjoy the film from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, for those who prefer to own a copy, the movie can be purchased and downloaded on Amazon Video.
Alternatively, renting options are also available on Amazon Video, providing viewers with the flexibility to watch the film online without the commitment of purchasing it outright. With these accessible options, audiences have the opportunity to experience the intriguing storyline and captivating performances of Hippopotamus at their convenience.
Whether they choose to stream it on subscription-based platforms or opt for the purchase or rental options on Amazon Video, fans of the film can easily immerse themselves in the unique world of Hippopotamus and unravel its thought-provoking narrative.
Hippopotamus Cast
Ingvild Deila
Ruby Ann Wattz
Jonathan Cobb
Rob
Tom Lincoln
Nick
Thomas Alcroft
Cast
Character
Stuart Mortimer
Hippopotamus Movie Ending Explained - FAQs
"Hippopotamus" first hit screens at film festivals in 2018.
"Hippopotamus" was written and directed by Edward A. Palmer.
Yes, "Hippopotamus" is available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Flix Premiere. It can also be purchased or rented on Amazon Video for online viewing.
According to IMDb, "Hippopotamus" was made with an estimated budget of £5,000.
The main cast members of "Hippopotamus" include Ingvild Deila as Ruby Ann Wattz, Jonathan Cobb as Rob, Tom Lincoln as Tom Lincoln, Nick as Stuart Mortimer, and Thomas Alcroft as Thomas Alcroft.