A Normal Woman

Milla’s journey in A Normal Woman culminates in a powerful act of self-assertion. Initially trapped in a life of superficial perfection maintained by her husband, Jonathan, and his controlling mother, Liliana, she endures relentless emotional and psychological abuse, which manifests physically through a severe skin allergy that gradually disfigures her face. As her appearance changes and she begins experiencing visions of a girl named Grace—her childhood self scarred by trauma—the truth about her past surfaces. It’s revealed that Milla was once Grace, a girl who suffered a traumatic accident after her mother, Novi, fled town to hide her disfigurement and reinvent her. The betrayal by her mother, along with her forced transformation into the polished, obedient wife, symbolizes how women are often molded into societal ideals at the expense of their true selves.

When Milla’s former best friend Erika, who secretly envies her life, begins to take her place during her confinement, she embodies the hollow veneer of the life Milla once knew. Yet, in a bold act of rebellion, Milla confronts her reflection by revealing her face to the world at her own birthday party, symbolically tearing down the illusion of perfection. Her decision to cut her face with a knife, destroying the beauty that her mother gave her, is a raw statement of reclaiming her identity. This act of defiance is followed by her departure from her oppressive environment, imagining a life of quiet freedom in her mind—walking through the countryside and doing simple chores, free from societal expectations.

However, the ending leaves ambiguity: it is unclear whether Milla truly escapes or if her visions and dreams are just illusions. She might have physically left the oppressive house, or she could still be trapped, merely dreaming of liberation. The final scene, with her lying in a bed of wildflowers, suggests her inner peace and hope for an autonomous life, yet the possibility remains that she is still confined, holding onto a fragile hope of freedom. Ultimately, her act of slicing her face signifies a final reclaiming of agency over her body and identity, asserting that despite the external chaos and internal scars, she has taken a crucial step toward defining her own normal—a life on her own terms, however uncertain whether that truly has been achieved.

Last Updated: July 27, 2025 at 09:39