The Nanny Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Nanny.
The Nanny Ending Explained: Rome, early 20th century: a wealthy psychiatrist, who runs an asylum for women and lacks imagination in his practice, must find a wet nurse for his infant when his wife panics after childbirth. Directed by Marco Bellocchio, this 1999 drama film stars Fabrizio Bentivoglio (Prof. Mori), alongside Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as Vittoria Mori, Maya Sansa as Annetta, Jacqueline Lustig as Maddalena. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Nanny?
Rome, early 20th century: a wealthy psychiatrist, who runs an asylum for women and lacks imagination in his practice, must find a wet nurse for his infant when his wife panics after childbirth. He brings a peasant, Annette, to Rome, forcing her to leave her own baby behind. To the consternation and increasing anger of the wife, the nanny immediately bonds with the couple's infant son - Annette's a natural. Against a backdrop of leftist demonstrations, Annette, who's lover is a teacher jailed for subversion, asks the doctor to teach her to read and write. Her nature and curiosity, the doctor's bland ideas, he and his wife's problems, and the two infants bring the story to a head.
Marco Bellocchio's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Fabrizio Bentivoglio (Prof. Mori)'s journey. He brings a peasant, Annette, to Rome, forcing her to leave her own baby behind.
How Does Fabrizio Bentivoglio (Prof. Mori)'s Story End?
- Fabrizio Bentivoglio: Fabrizio Bentivoglio's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (Vittoria Mori): Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Maya Sansa (Annetta): Maya Sansa's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Nanny Mean?
The Nanny's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Fabrizio Bentivoglio may feel rushed. Marco Bellocchio's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.