Swallow

The ending of Swallow sees Hunter finally breaking free from the oppressive control of her controlling husband and his family. After a series of traumatic events—her discovery of her pregnancy, her realization that her body is no longer truly hers, and her attempt to escape—the turning point comes when she swallows a screwdriver, risking her life and the safety of her unborn child. This act is a desperate cry for independence, a way for her to assert control over herself in a situation where she has long felt powerless.

Following this, Hunter undergoes emergency surgery, and her prospects seem bleak as her husband and in-laws plan to have her institutionalized until the baby is born. However, with the help of Luay, a family friend who helps her escape through a window, Hunter begins her journey to reclaim her life. She locates her biological father, a figure from her past she had been trying to confront, and finally finds closure by learning that he is not ashamed of her—and she is not defined by her traumatic origins. This moment allows Hunter to shed her feelings of shame and shameful secrets, giving her a newfound sense of autonomy.

At the very end, Hunter takes steps to control her body and future—visiting a clinic to obtain pills for an abortion—symbolically taking back the authority that was stripped from her throughout the story. The film’s conclusion is a powerful statement about reclaiming personal agency, especially for women who feel trapped by society’s expectations and control. Hunter’s journey is about standing up for herself and making choices that affirm her independence, ultimately offering her a chance for a new beginning on her own terms. The ending underscores that true freedom and self-ownership come from within, even in the face of overwhelming constraints.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57