Elena Knows Ending Explained: How Did Rita Really Die? Who Are the Possible Suspects in the Case?
Elena Knows emerges as an engaging Argentine mystery drama film on Netflix, adapted from the novel by Claudia Pineiro. The narrative skillfully weaves a crime thriller into an intense slice-of-life drama, exploring the challenges faced by an elderly woman named Elena. The unique way the story is told, blending past and present, reflects Elena’s aging memory and her struggles with Parkinson’s disease. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the plot, explore possible suspects, and analyze the complex relationship between Elena and her daughter Rita. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive explanation of the film’s ending.
Based on the successful novel of the same name by Claudia Piñeiro Elena Knows is an Argentine Netflix film that tells the story of a woman (Mercedes Morán) who suffers from terminal Parkinson’s and who searches for the person responsible for the sudden death of his daughter Rita (Erica Rivas). The film directed by Anahí Berneri begins with Elena making an exhausting train trip from the suburbs to the capital to get help from an old friend of her daughter who is now a lawyer. However, due to the hustle and bustle and her illness, the woman faints. Afterward, Elena Knows moves a few days before Rita’s wife, who in addition to working at a school and trying to form a new life with her boyfriend Pablo, was in charge of taking care of her mother. The day she disappeared; she left her mother at a beauty salon but did not return to look for her. The police are in charge of communicating the tragic news.
Elena Knows Movie: The Story Plot
Elena, an elderly woman afflicted with end-stage Parkinson’s disease, struggles with every movement of her stiff body, while her mind oscillates between reality and clear visions. She lives with her daughter Rita, a devoted teacher who dedicates herself completely to her mother’s care, sacrificing her own life to assist her at every moment. On a day like many others, Rita accompanies Elena to the hairdresser, but she never returns. She is found dead, hanging in the church tower. The police close the case as suicide, but Elena rejects this truth. Despite her debilitating illness, she transforms into a sort of detective determined to shed light on the event. Convinced that her daughter Rita was killed, perhaps by the parish priest of the church, Elena begins a desperate search to discover the truth hidden behind that tragic event.
She begins her investigation and goes in search of an old friend of her daughter’s. As she goes through her research, she goes back into the past and retraces some phases of her life as a mother. Elena is 65 years old and was once an accountant. She now has to fight against the problems caused by Parkinson’s, including physical and memory problems. The film begins with the police ringing her doorbell and letting her know that they have found the body of her daughter, Rita Alonso, who is 43 years old. The body has marks on the neck and the doctors are convinced that death occurred due to suffocation. Elena, however, cannot accept the fact that her daughter may have committed suicide, so she requests an autopsy. From here her investigations begin, where she finds herself faced with mysteries, hidden truths, and tensions. Through flashbacks, the viewer discovers the mother-daughter relationship between Elena and Rita. Additionally, other characters are also introduced.
Elena Knows Ending Explained: How Did Rita Really Die?
Although everything indicates that it was a suicide, since she hung herself in the church bell tower and was taking medication for depression, Elena does not believe that her daughter would give up her life and insists on an investigation to find the murderer. Rita. Her main suspects are the town priest and a student who harassed the teacher. Because there is no evidence to indicate that it is a homicide, the police decided to file the case. However, her mother decides to investigate on her own with the help of one of the officers. She even confronts Father Juan and the daughter of the Zacotti, an influential family, which gets her into some trouble.
As the protagonist of Elena Knows follows some trails, she remembers what her daughter’s life was like and the kind of mother she was to Rita. The way her conservative ideas and strict character affected her daughter. When she was still in school Rita prevented her best friend from having an abortion, something Isabel never forgave her for. Little by little, Elena realizes that she made several mistakes and that her daughter was not happy with the life she was given. Every time the teacher dreamed of her own life, her mother’s illness woke her up and forced her to be a responsible and diligent person.
After speaking with the doctor who prescribed antidepressants to Rita and with Father Juan, Elena begins to rediscover her daughter’s last days and it is understood that she was tired of taking care of her and as her illness intensified, she wanted to leave. Rita’s life was fading. He also talks to Pablo, who explains that Rita ended their romantic relationship shortly before, even though they had marriage plans because she had to take care of Elena. At that moment, the sick woman remembers the retirement home card that she found among her daughter’s things, and she understands the situation better.
When he finally arrives at Isabel’s house, he tells her that he is coming to collect the favor he owes her. The lawyer does not understand, so the woman points out that thanks to Rita she has a beautiful daughter and that she must repay her by taking charge of the investigation into her death. Isabel clarifies that she is not in debt because she never wanted to become her mother. At the end of Elena Knows the protagonist accepts that her daughter took her own life because she did not want to continue dealing with her mother’s illness. With no choice but to continue with the gray memories of her daughter, Elena returns to the train station to return to her house.
Who Are the Possible Suspects in the Case?
Elena begins a personal investigation, revealing intriguing details of Rita’s past. The main suspect is Pablo, Rita’s estranged husband, who becomes involved in Elena’s life after Rita’s death. The local priest, Father Juan, is suggested as another suspect due to the rumor of Rita’s romantic interest. Finally, a rich teenager from the Zacotti family, who tormented Rita, emerges as a possible suspect.
How Did Rita Really Die?
In a climactic revelation, the film confirms Rita’s suicide, dispelling suspicions of crime. Rita’s mental suffering, compounded by her responsibilities to her sick mother, led to her decision. The film explores Rita’s complex life, marked by a failed marriage, unrequited love for Father Juan, and professional challenges. The outcome forces Elena to face the harsh reality and deal with memories of her daughter.
