Explosive Revelations: Unmasking the Real Bully in Amabella's Big Little Lies

Years after its debut, a lingering question about Big Little Lies revolves around why Amabella (played by Ivy George) falsely accuses Ziggy (played by Iain Armitage) of bullying her. Set within an affluent California community, the show introduces a murder mystery from the start, hinting at the hidden imperfections beneath the seemingly idyllic surface. However, the primary source of drama in the first season of Big Little Lies stems from Amabella's storyline, revealing that she is being victimized and pointing the finger at one of her classmates. This revelation not only creates tension within the community but also connects to one of the show's darker plotlines.

While there were still many unanswered questions at the conclusion of the second season of Big Little Lies, one particular storyline from the first season stood out for its relatability and disturbing portrayal of a very young child. Amabella, a quiet and sensitive girl, was diligently watched over by her protective mother, Renata (Laura Dern). Despite coming from a privileged background, Amabella's world is shattered when she becomes the target of bullying at school. The combination of her tender age, the fear and anxiety she experiences, and Renata's fierce reaction all contribute to Amabella resorting to lying about her tormentor.

Amabella Falsely Blames Ziggy To Avoid A Dark Truth

The drama unfolds rapidly in the first season of Big Little Lies when Renata notices injuries on her daughter, Amabella, as the children are being picked up from school. In a moment of uncertainty, Amabella's teacher encourages her to identify the responsible student. Under pressure, Amabella points to Ziggy, the new student in the school. Iain Armitage, known for his role in Young Sheldon, convincingly portrays Ziggy's insistence on his innocence, creating a believable scenario where Amabella may have falsely accused Ziggy to protect the true identity of her bully.

When it is later revealed that Ziggy is innocent, it becomes evident that Amabella fabricated her accusation to escape a difficult situation. By targeting the new student, she found a convenient scapegoat to shift blame and conceal the truth she was too afraid to reveal. This aspect also highlights a recurring theme in the show, highlighting the socio-economic disparities between Ziggy's less affluent background and the wealthier families in the community. Similar to HBO's Succession, Big Little Lies delves into the disconnect that can exist between the privileged and ordinary people, making it easier for Renata and others to believe Ziggy is the culprit.

While much of the storyline revolves around the adults' reactions, their mistakes, and assumptions, it is important to acknowledge the complexity of the children at the center of the situation. Amabella falsely accuses Ziggy of being her bully, but the show smartly avoids portraying her as solely at fault. In fact, Ziggy himself admits that he and Amabella are actually friendly despite the accusation. However, the underlying reason behind Amabella's lie adds a disturbing layer to the narrative, as she was coerced into silence through threats. Even at a young and innocent age, Amabella demonstrates a clear understanding of the consequences she faced and chooses to name Ziggy, possibly aware that he is a kind friend who would react in the way she fears.

Max Wright Was Amabella’s Bully

Max's behavior of bullying Amabella stems from his own home life, where he witnesses his father violently abusing his mother. This revelation adds a disturbing element to the situation and sheds light on why Amabella lied about the identity of her tormentor. Celeste and Perry's seemingly perfect marriage concealed the abuse from the outside world, and it is probable that Perry made threats to keep the truth hidden, which Max then replicated by threatening Amabella.

The interconnected storylines of Amabella's bully, Ziggy's accusation, and Celeste's abuse in the first season of Big Little Lies captivated both fans and critics, making it a resounding success. These plot developments skillfully highlighted the show's themes and paved the way for the gripping murder that unfolded in the season finale. The lingering intrigue surrounding Amabella's false accusation further demonstrates the lasting impact of Big Little Lies on viewers, even years later.