Serious Moonlight Ending Explained: The Movie's Plot and Cast
by Rohit
Updated May 03, 2023
Serious Moonlight Plot Summary
The film revolves around the character Louise (Meg Ryan), a successful lawyer who discovers that her husband, Ian (Timothy Hutton), is having an affair with a younger woman. Feeling both angry and hurt, Louise takes the drastic step of tying Ian to a chair in their beach house with the intention of showing him what he stands to lose if he continues the affair.
As the night progresses, two burglars break into the house in an attempt to rob it, further complicating Louise's already chaotic situation. Despite the serious and dangerous nature of the situation, Ian remains tied up throughout the events that transpire.
As events continue to unfold, it becomes clear that there is more to Ian and Louise's past than first meets the eye, and that their relationship is far more complicated than it first appears. Ian tries to convince Louise throughout the night that he truly loves her and wants to work things out, but Louise is resistant to the idea and remains convinced that their relationship is over.
Near the end of the movie, Ian reveals to Louise that he wants them to stay together and that he is willing to do whatever it takes to make their marriage work. Louise initially responds with disbelief, but ultimately admits that she loves Ian and is willing to give him another chance.
However, just as it seems that they are about to reconcile, Ian strikes Louise with a candlestick in a last-ditch attempt to escape and convinces her to untie him. Despite his attempt, Louise proves to be stronger than Ian anticipated and they are left to sit together, both with head injuries, likely facing arrest for their earlier actions.
Serious Moonlight is a drama that explores complex relationships and the lengths that people will go to in order to hold onto those they love, even when all seems lost.
Serious Moonlight Ending Explained
In the film Serious Moonlight, Louise (played by Meg Ryan) finds her husband, Ian (played by Timothy Hutton), with another woman. In a fit of anger and desperation, Louise ties Ian up to a chair in their beach house to try to force him to work on their marriage. However, while Ian is tied up, two burglars break into the house, further complicating Louise's already chaotic situation.
Throughout the movie, Ian tries to reason with Louise, professing his love for her and hoping to reconcile their relationship. However, Louise is resistant to Ian's advances, remaining convinced that their marriage is over. As the night continues, tensions between the characters escalate, and a fight breaks out between Louise and one of the burglars, resulting in the burglar getting shot.
In the film's ending, Ian finally confesses to Louise that he wants them to stay together and that he loves her. Initially, Louise is hesitant to believe him, but eventually admits that she loves him as well and is willing to give him another chance. However, as Louise begins to untie Ian, he strikes her on the head with a candlestick, hoping to knock her out and make his escape.
Despite Ian's attempt to escape, Louise proves to be stronger than he anticipated and is able to subdue him. In the final scene of the movie, Louise is shown taping up Ian's head wound as they sit together, likely facing arrest for their earlier actions. The ending of Serious Moonlight leaves open the possibility of a future together for Ian and Louise, but at the same time suggests that they may be facing serious legal repercussions for their actions.
Serious Moonlight Cast
Actor
Character
Meg Ryan
Louise
Timothy Hutton
Ian
Kristen Bell
Sara
Justin Long
Todd
Derek Carter
Man #1
Kimberlee Peterson
Trashy Girl
Nathan Dean
Detective
Serious Moonlight Themes
Serious Moonlight explores several themes throughout the course of the movie. One of the primary themes is the idea of relationships and the different ways that people experience love and intimacy. The film presents a complex portrait of a troubled marriage, highlighting the ways in which people deal with cheating, mistrust, and betrayal in their romantic relationships. The characters struggle with questions such as whether love and trust can be rebuilt after they have been broken, and if so, how.
Another prominent theme in Serious Moonlight is the idea of power dynamics in relationships. Louise, the main character, takes Ian hostage in an attempt to assert control over their relationship and force him to love her again. Throughout the movie, the balance of power shifts between Louise and Ian, as they struggle to come to terms with their feelings for one another and the events that have transpired. The film also explores how societal power dynamics, such as those between men and women, can contribute to the breakdown of relationships.
Finally, the theme of redemption also features heavily in Serious Moonlight. The movie suggests that it is possible for people to make mistakes and hurt others but still find a way to move forward with their relationships. Ian and Louise both make decisions that are harmful to one another throughout the course of the movie, but in the end, it is hinted that they might be able to find a way to forgive one another and move on from their past mistakes.
Overall, Serious Moonlight is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the power dynamics that can shape them. The film highlights the importance of trust, communication, and forgiveness, as well as the obstacles that can stand in the way of finding happiness and fulfillment in our romantic lives.
Serious Moonlight Review
The reviews for Serious Moonlight are mixed, with some critics praising the film for its exploration of complex themes related to love, power, and redemption, while others found the movie to be shallow and tonally uneven.
Critics who enjoyed the film noted that the movie offered a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, with complex characters and thought-provoking themes that set it apart from more formulaic Hollywood rom-coms. Some critics also praised the performances of Ryan, Hutton, and Bell, highlighting their chemistry on screen and their ability to convey the emotional turmoil experienced by their characters.
However, other reviewers felt that the movie failed to fully capitalize on its potential, with shallow characterizations and a tonally uneven script. Some critics criticized the film for its repetitive abuse of its characters, noting that the constant violence and power struggles took away from the story's more nuanced themes.
The reception to Serious Moonlight has been mixed, with some viewers finding it to be a thought-provoking and enjoyable film, while others were left feeling underwhelmed by its execution.
Serious Moonlight Ending Explained - FAQs
Serious Moonlight is a 2009 movie directed by Cheryl Hines that follows the story of Louise, a high-powered attorney who takes her husband Ian captive in their home after realizing he is having an affair.
The main cast members in Serious Moonlight include Meg Ryan as Louise, Timothy Hutton as Ian, Kristen Bell as Sara, and Justin Long as Todd.
Some common themes explored in Serious Moonlight include relationships, power dynamics, and redemption.
The reviews for Serious Moonlight are mixed, with some critics praising the film for its exploration of complex themes related to love and power, while others found the movie to be shallow and tonally uneven.
Serious Moonlight is available for rent or purchase on various online platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple iTunes. It can also be found on some cable providers' video-on-demand services.