Year: 2023
Runtime: 83 min
Language: English
Director: Amy Redford
A passionate romance blossoms amidst a web of secrets and lies, quickly turning into a dangerous game of deception. As the relationship deepens, the characters find themselves entangled in a deadly dance where discerning truth from illusion becomes increasingly difficult. The consequences of their actions threaten everyone involved, leaving no one untouched by the unfolding drama.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen What Comes Around yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Still thinking about how What Comes Around (2023) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
What Comes Around explores the devastating impact of past actions on future lives, illustrating how trauma and secrets can come back to haunt us. Throughout the film, we see how Beth, a single mother, hides a dark secret about her past relationship with Jesse, a troubled young man she once had a relationship with during her time as a teacher. This relationship ended in scandal, with Beth lying to protect herself, which left Jesse emotionally shattered and falsely accused him of imagining their affair. Jesse, feeling betrayed and misunderstood, spends years trying to find closure, convincing himself that revealing the truth will finally set him free.
As Jesse re-enters Beth’s life under the guise of reconnecting with her, he is driven by a desire for the truth—believing that knowing what truly happened between them will validate his feelings and give him peace. His approach is manipulative and emotional; he records conversations and confronts Beth with evidence that could ruin her, pressing her to confess the reality of their past affair. However, Jesse’s ultimate motive isn’t just revenge—he seeks closure so he can finally move on from his past pain, even if it means destroying Beth in the process.
In the film’s climax, Beth finally admits what Jesse needs to hear—that their relationship was real and not a figment of his mind. She reveals she destroyed her records and memories to hide the truth, fearing legal consequences if she confessed earlier, and shows her emotional vulnerability. Jesse’s confrontation ends with him choosing not to blackmail her; he leaves the recording on the table, signifying that he has decided to let go of revenge and accept the truth. Yet, before he leaves, he subtly hints that he will see Anna, Beth’s daughter, again—mirroring the words Beth once said to him—suggesting that Jesse’s love for Anna was genuine and that his final act was a form of poetic justice.
In the closing scenes, Beth and Anna drive away, heading to a wedding, but the damage is done. Jesse may have walked away, but his presence haunts the story—his emotional scars and unresolved feelings continue to influence the lives he touched. Anna, overwhelmed by the revelation, harbors resentment towards her mother for keeping secrets, and the cycle appears to repeat itself. The film closes with the understanding that life’s cycles of pain and retribution never truly end; what comes around eventually finds its way back, reminding us that secrets, pain, and the past can shape the present in ways we often don’t realize until it’s too late. Jesse’s final act, love intertwined with revenge, leaves a lasting mark that suggests life will keep turning, and justice, in its own mysterious way, always returns.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59
Don't stop at just watching — explore What Comes Around in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what What Comes Around is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of What Comes Around, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of What Comes Around with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like What Comes Around that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
What Comes Around (2023) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
What Comes Around (2023) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
What Comes Around (2023) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like What Comes Around – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
What About Love (2024) Movie Recap & Themes
Innocence (2001) Movie Recap & Themes
I Came By (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
The Air I Breathe (2008) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Neighbor (2018) Full Summary & Key Details
No Future (2021) Full Movie Breakdown
Twisted (2004) Movie Recap & Themes
Babygirl (2013) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
I Will Follow You Into the Dark (2013) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Look Away (2018) Complete Plot Breakdown
Come Back to Me (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
Fatal Affair (2020) Detailed Story Recap
A Family Affair (2024) Complete Plot Breakdown
Broken (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Somewhere Slow (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown