We Were Dangerous

In the film’s climax, Nellie, Daisy, and Louisa execute their daring plan to escape the reformatory on the island. After discovering the disturbing truth about the school’s alleged ‘reform’ experiments—aimed at controlling young women’s sexuality and keeping the girls submissive—the trio decide they’ve had enough. They craft Molotov cocktails from stolen supplies and, with Louisa’s help, secretly build a raft. Their plan is fueled by a desire for freedom and sisterhood, fueled by their shared experiences of oppression and rejection from society. In a powerful act of rebellion, they set fire to the clinic, ensuring the Matron’s authority is broken and that they can escape. The next morning, the girls are missing, and it’s revealed that Louisa had cooperated with her friends all along, pretending to be obedient while secretly planning their escape. She had helped them acquire the materials and sneak out, testament to her own desire for liberation from the constraints of her environment. As they set sail on their homemade raft at dawn, the girls are filled with joy and hope, symbolizing their break from the oppressive system and societal expectations. The story ends on a note of triumph and sisterhood, with the girls finally free to forge their own paths, leaving behind the cruel institutions meant to “civilize” them and affirming their resilience in the face of societal suppression. Their journey signifies a powerful rejection of the control and judgment imposed on them, emphasizing that their true strength lies in their unity and refusal to be defined by societal norms.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44