The Girlfriend’s Shocking Ending: Why Robin Wright Never Saw the Backlash Coming
The Girlfriend, Prime Video’s gripping psychological thriller, has left audiences reeling—not just from its twisted narrative, but from its jaw-dropping finale. But here’s where it gets controversial... Did Laura, the obsessive mother played by Robin Wright, really die? Or is there more to the story than meets the eye? Let’s dive into the drama that has everyone talking.
Robin Wright, the star, executive producer, and director of The Girlfriend, returned to TV with a bang, lured by the series’ dual narrative that pits her against Olivia Cooke. The show, adapted from Michelle Frances’ 2017 novel, centers on a toxic triangle: Daniel (Laurie Davidson), his fiery girlfriend Cherry (Cooke), and his overprotective mother Laura (Wright). What makes this series stand out is its clever manipulation of perspectives, leaving viewers constantly guessing who to root for. And this is the part most people miss... The ending was completely rewritten from the book, with Laura meeting a tragic fate instead of Cherry.
In the finale, Laura drugs Daniel to reveal Cherry’s dangerous nature, but the plan backfires spectacularly. Daniel, in a drug-induced haze, accidentally drowns Laura while trying to break up a fight between the two women. This Greek tragedy-style ending was Wright’s brainchild, designed to shock viewers. But what she didn’t anticipate was the heated debate it would spark. Is Laura really dead? Fans are split, with some arguing Daniel, a doctor, could have resuscitated her. Others believe he let her die. Wright herself finds the speculation “kind of fun,” leaving the door open for interpretation.
The show’s success has been meteoric, becoming Amazon’s No. 1 most-watched new scripted series in the U.K. and a Top 10 global hit. Yet, Wright admits she never expected such a reaction. “It could have been a total flop,” she laughs. Directing the first three episodes while navigating the complex narratives of Laura and Cherry was no small feat. “It was like doing algebra,” she explains, ensuring each perspective was balanced and believable.
The ending, however, is where opinions collide. Wright’s decision to have Daniel kill Laura instead of Cherry was bold, but it’s the ambiguity of Laura’s fate that has fans buzzing. Could there be a second season? While Wright is open to it, she’s also content with the show’s current conclusion. “If it didn’t get a second season, I would be completely satisfied,” she says.
But here’s the real question... Did Wright intentionally leave Laura’s fate ambiguous? She admits the team thought viewers would assume Laura was dead, but the mixed reactions have been a pleasant surprise. Cherry’s unexpected moment of empathy in the finale—trying to stop Daniel—was a last-minute addition, showcasing the collaborative creativity on set.
As for Laura and Cherry, Wright believes they’re two sides of the same coin: strong-willed alpha females fighting for their version of the truth. “They both think they’re in the right,” she notes, a dynamic that feels all too real.
So, what’s next for The Girlfriend? Wright doesn’t know, but she’s enjoying the ride. To those clamoring for a second season, her advice is simple: “Keep wondering!”
Thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Laura is really dead, or is there a chance she could return? Let’s debate in the comments—and remember, there’s no wrong answer, just differing perspectives!
