The Perfectionist Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Perfectionist.
The Perfectionist Ending Explained: Barbara and Steward are happily married and have three kids. Directed by Chris Thomson, this 1985 comedy film stars Jacki Weaver (Barbara Gunn), alongside John Waters as Stuart Gunn, Steven Vidler as Erik, Kate Fitzpatrick as Su. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Perfectionist?
Barbara and Steward are happily married and have three kids. But one day Barbara decides that her children are old enough now and she can quit as housewife and start to study. Against the will of her husband she employs babysitter Eric while she attends university. Steward reacts increasingly nervous about the presence of another man in his family and brings their marriage into a crisis.
Chris Thomson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jacki Weaver (Barbara Gunn)'s journey. But one day Barbara decides that her children are old enough now and she can quit as housewife and start to study.
How Does Jacki Weaver (Barbara Gunn)'s Story End?
- Jacki Weaver: Jacki Weaver's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Chris Thomson delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 30m runtime.
- John Waters (Stuart Gunn): John Waters's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Steven Vidler (Erik): Steven Vidler's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Perfectionist Mean?
The Perfectionist concludes with Chris Thomson reinforcing the comedy themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Jacki Weaver leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.