“Look Away,” a psychological horror-thriller film directed by Assaf Bernstein, has captivated audiences with its eerie exploration of the human psyche.
At the heart of this enigmatic movie is the character of Maria Brennan, portrayed by India Eisley, who grapples with self-esteem issues and the torment of bullying.
However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious mirror that reflects her alter ego, Airam. The movie unfolds into a complex narrative, blending elements of psychological horror, identity, and the power of self-image.
As we delve deeper into the plot, we’ll attempt to shed light on the perplexing ending of ‘Look Away.’
The Duality of Maria and Airam
Throughout the film, Maria and Airam are presented as two distinct personalities. Maria is the timid, introverted young girl who often finds herself ignored and mistreated by her peers.
On the other hand, Airam is the confident and assertive alter ego who emerges to protect Maria from her tormentors. Maria’s increasing reliance on Airam results in a gradual deterioration of her mental state, causing strain in her relationships with friends and family.
The movie underscores the cost of embracing one’s darker side as Maria becomes more beautiful and confident but at the expense of her sanity and relationships.
Look Away Mysterious Ending
As the film progresses, we witness a striking transformation in Maria. After Airam embarks on a killing spree, including the character Sean, portrayed by In The Tall Grass’s Harrison Gilbertson, Maria refuses to communicate with Airam through the mirror.
This refusal signifies a turning point, as Maria decides to retreat deep within herself rather than confront the consequences of Airam’s actions. Maria’s metamorphosis into Airam is complete.
Metaphorically, this transformation represents the loss of Maria’s innocence and her full embrace of maturity through her alter ego, Airam. Her journey is not just about physical transformation but also a psychological evolution.
The Complex Relationship Between Amy and the Two Daughters
In the concluding moments of ‘Look Away,’ Amy, Maria’s mother, holds each of her daughters, first on the left and then on the right.
The imagery is powerful and symbolic. Amy is grappling with tremendous guilt and grief over the loss of one of her daughters, and Airam, in her own way, feels responsible for the deaths she caused and the loss of Maria.
Both women are seeking redemption and solace through the idea of having a twin. They want a fresh start and the opportunity to absolve themselves of their pain. Both Amy and Airam have suffered abuse at the hands of Dan, Maria’s father, and carry deep emotional scars.
The presence of a twin offers hope for healing. In reality, Amy only has one daughter whose mind has fractured into two distinct parts, and she must provide comfort to both of them at different times. Amy herself is unstable, and she chooses to believe in the existence of both girls.
The conclusion of ‘Look Away’ leaves audiences with several questions and interpretations. It appears that Maria and Airam may have integrated both personalities, potentially achieving a balance and control over her own life.
However, there’s also a lingering suggestion that Airam might have completely taken over, leaving Maria’s fate shrouded in uncertainty.
The Fate of Airam
The movie does not explicitly depict Airam’s demise on screen. However, there is a pivotal scene where Maria, portrayed by India Eisley, smashes the mirror containing Airam.
This action implies that Maria’s choice to shatter the mirror may have led to Airam’s destruction, as Airam was a manifestation of her alter ego within the mirror.
Still, it’s essential to acknowledge that ‘Look Away’ deliberately maintains an ambiguous ending, allowing viewers to interpret the fate of Airam and Maria.
Some may believe that the ending suggests a merging of both personalities into a more integrated whole, while others might perceive that Airam has seized control over Maria’s body and mind. Thus, the precise fate of Airam remains open to interpretation, adding to the movie’s enigmatic charm.
Conclusion
‘Look Away’ is a compelling exploration of the human psyche, where the lines between identity, beauty, and self-confidence blur, leading to a thought-provoking and unsettling narrative.
The film’s conclusion retains its ambiguity, leaving the audience to contemplate the fate of Maria and Airam.
As viewers, we are left with the haunting notion that the mirror’s power may have altered the course of Maria’s life forever, but the exact nature of this transformation remains a mystery.