Released in 2022, Loving Adults is a gripping Danish crime drama brought to life by Barbara Topsøe-Rothenborg, based on a novel of the same name. The story delves into a fractured marriage and a detective’s unsettling theory surrounding a mysterious crime.
Its ambiguous conclusion leaves audiences questioning the characters’ actions and motivations. Below, we explore the film’s storyline and unpack its thought-provoking ending, with spoilers ahead.
Christian and Leonora’s guilt remains shrouded in mystery as the case stays unresolved (Photo: Loving Adults/SF Studio)Where To Watch?
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Loving Adults: Ending Explained
The film concludes by presenting the detective’s theory as a hypothetical story he shares with his daughter before her wedding. Using this grim tale, he highlights the perils of love and misplaced trust. Despite his ominous warning, his daughter reaffirms her readiness to marry.
The motivations behind the commissioner’s narrative are left ambiguous. While hints of his possessive nature and grief over his wife’s death surface, the film does not provide insight into his opinion of the groom. His cautionary tale seems shaped by his professional encounters with crimes committed by couples in love.
Did Christian and Leonora Kill Xenia?
There is no definitive evidence linking Christian and Leonora to Xenia’s disappearance or death. Despite the detective’s suspicions, the lack of a body keeps the case unresolved. His accusations remain speculative, without concrete proof.
What The Detective Knows
The detective’s investigation uncovers a series of puzzling events:
- A boy who had cheated on Leonora died under mysterious circumstances, falling off a cliff. Leonora had an alibi, with a recording of her violin class.
- A mother of three was killed in a hit-and-run, but the culprit was never identified.
- Christian and Leonora’s alibi for the night of Xenia’s disappearance is their stay at a hotel, where they claim to have dined in their room.
- Xenia’s house was found with signs of a break-in, but her body was missing, and all evidence had been meticulously cleaned.
- Christian sent a message to Xenia ending their affair: “Dear Xenia. I’m sorry. I can’t do this. My family means everything to me.”
- Search efforts for Xenia yielded no results, though the detective noted Christian lighting a bonfire during a celebration.
The Detective’s Speculation
The detective constructs his theory from circumstantial evidence:
- Ex-Boyfriend’s Death: He suspects Leonora may have left her violin class early to kill her cheating boyfriend, using the class recording as an alibi. No evidence supports this.
- Fraud Allegations: Christian and Peter may have committed financial fraud to fund Johan’s treatment, possibly involving Leonora. The details of the alleged fraud remain unclear.
- Xenia’s Role: Christian’s affair with Xenia ends under Leonora’s threat to expose his supposed fraud. The detective theorizes Leonora and Christian conspired to murder Xenia.
Alternate Explanation – If Christian And Leonora Were Innocent
Several alternative interpretations could explain the events:
- Leonora’s ex-boyfriend’s death was a tragic accident.
- Johan’s treatment was funded legitimately, with no fraudulent activity.
- Christian ended his affair with Xenia, as indicated in his message.
- The hit-and-run was unrelated to Christian or Leonora.
- Their alibi during Xenia’s disappearance was truthful.
- Xenia’s disappearance might involve an unknown perpetrator who cleaned the crime scene and disposed of her body elsewhere.
- The bonfire observed by the detective had no connection to Xenia’s fate.
This layered narrative invites viewers to question the truth behind the detective’s assumptions while leaving room for alternative interpretations.
