Penelope Ending Explained: Was Penelope Aware of Her Parents’ Death?

“Penelope”is a unique show where almost nothing occurs, so I was not anticipating needing to “explain”any elements while watching, including the ending.

However, Episode 8 concluded with a revelation that raised some potentially intriguing questions about the overall narrative, possibly even shedding light on why Penelope embarked on her journey of self-discovery in the first place.

The essence of the show, created by Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn and currently available for streaming on Netflix, seems to cater primarily to the festival circuit where it first premiered.

It is built on the premise that neither Penelope nor the audience understands her motivations. Even by the end, questions remain, yet we receive a suggestion that could provide clarity, despite certain facts contradicting my interpretation. Thus, approach the following observations with an open mind—it’s an easier way to engage.

1. What Happens at the End of Netflix’s “Penelope”?

After the cougar incident, Penelope makes her way back to civilization in episode 8, now recovering in a hospital. There, she meets an incredibly supportive social worker named Jen, who assures her that her hospital expenses are covered and provides her with the necessary resources.

Before long, Penelope is back on the move. It seems that even after the trauma she experienced in the wilderness, she feels compelled to return to that environment instead of heading home.

Penelope Ending Explained — Austin Abrams and Megan Stott in “Penelope” | Source: IMDb

2. Did Penelope Know Her Parents Were Dead?

As the series draws to a close, Penelope visits the local library and begins browsing online. She checks the news, her emails, and updates on social media.

During this process, she discovers posts from worried friends and family urging her to reach out, alongside a heartbreaking announcement regarding the deaths of her parents.

This revelation complicates everything and forces us to reevaluate what has transpired throughout the series.

Her lack of visible distress or shock suggests she might have known this information prior to this moment, indicating her journey was significantly influenced by dealing with this profound loss. Yet, she received communications from her mother while she was away.

Perhaps we don’t witness her emotional turmoil because she has not fully processed the news by the series’ conclusion. Alternatively, it might be the case that the narrative rewrites certain events and leads us to question whether Penelope actually received those messages from her mother.

3. What is the Meaning of Penelope’s Ending?

The conclusion of “Penelope”suggests that grief serves as a significant motivating factor.

In her online exploration, Penelope discovers various updates, including a final image of her parents that reinforces the reality of their passing. The episode ends with her scrolling through these urgent messages from loved ones urging her to return home, culminating with the poignant mention of her parents.

Megan Stott’s portrayal leaves audiences questioning whether this information should be striking for Penelope. Her response feels more like a reminder of a painful truth rather than a shocking revelation.

At this point, you might be wondering about previous scenes where we saw Penelope emailing her mother and leaving voice messages, implying she thought her parents were alive.

However, given the surreal and almost idyllic interactions Penelope has throughout the show, should we really seek out realism?

If this were the case, it would be a twist that retrospectively enhances the entire series. I appreciate the notion that Penelope’s journey may be a profound spiritual exploration, with the characters she encounters representing various aspects of her trauma and fears.

I resonate with the concept that every part of Penelope’s journey is fundamentally about learning to cope with loss, raising questions about the authenticity of her experiences. A sanitized portrayal of her struggles might reflect a girl striving to construct a more comforting reality in the face of her parents’ absence.

About “Penelope”

“Penelope”is a coming-of-age television series from 2024 created by Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn, featuring performances by Megan Stott and Austin Abrams. It premiered on Netflix in the United States on September 24, 2024.

The story centers around a sixteen-year-old girl who ventures into the wilderness to reconnect with nature, seeking solace from the modern world.

Source