The Battle of Saint-Malo Unveiled: Unraveling the Ending of 'All the Light We Cannot See'

Article Summary

Von Rumpel exposes the fate of Marie-Laure's father, prompting a tense confrontation where Marie-Laure defends herself by wielding a gun.

Marie-Laure and Werner eventually cross paths and establish a deep connection through their shared association with their professor, Etienne.

As the Allies liberate Saint-Malo, Werner surrenders and promises to listen to Marie-Laure on the radio after the war. This leaves Marie-Laure alone, facing an uncertain future.

All the Light We Cannot See is a four-episode adaptation of the best-selling book with the same name. Directed by Shawn Levy, it skillfully weaves together the intertwined stories of Marie-Laure (Aria Mia Loberti), a blind French girl, and Werner (Louis Hofmann), a German soldier, as they struggle to survive the ravages of World War II. The series also features Hugh Laurie and Mark Ruffalo. After several episodes building up the story, the two finally cross paths during the Battle of Saint-Malo. While the series closely follows Anthony Doerr's novel, it introduces significant changes to the events, ultimately resulting in a dramatic alteration of the ending.

Discover the captivating tale of Marie-Laure, a courageous French teenager who navigates the challenges of blindness, and Werner, a determined German soldier. As their lives intertwine amidst the turmoil of World War II, explore their struggles for survival in occupied France.

Release Date November 2, 2023Cast Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Laurie, Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Lars EidingerMain Genre HistoryGenres Drama, War, History

Von Rumpel Falls Short of Claiming the Prized Diamond in 'All the Light We Cannot See'

Image via Netflix

While hiding in Etienne's attic, Marie-Laure learns the devastating truth about her father's fate from Sergeant Major Reinhold von Rumpel, portrayed by Lars Eidinger. In July 1943, just over a year ago, von Rumpel tracked down Daniel LeBlanc (played by Ruffalo) at a train station in Paris. Despite enduring three hours of torture and interrogation, Daniel remained steadfast in his refusal to disclose the whereabouts of the Sea of Flames to the Nazi officer. Realizing that Daniel would not yield, von Rumpel ultimately resorted to shooting him in the back of the head.

In an impatient state, von Rumpel tries to intimidate Marie-Laure with a hand grenade. Standing her ground, Marie-Laure reveals a hidden gun provided by Etienne (Laurie). Von Rumpel triggers the hand grenade, causing Marie-Laure to temporarily lose her hearing. In her disoriented state, Werner arrives at the house and calls out to Marie-Laure. Marie-Laure's hearing returns just as von Rumpel starts shooting at Werner. They communicate with each other, with Werner explaining that he is a German soldier taught by Etienne. Marie-Laure helps Werner by alerting him to von Rumpel's movements in the house. Werner seizes the opportunity to grab a wire from the radio and attempts to choke von Rumpel. In the midst of their struggle, they accidentally knock over the scale model of Saint-Malo, revealing the hidden diamond inside.

As von Rumpel gains the upper hand against Werner, Marie-Laure manages to quietly approach von Rumpel from behind with Etienne's gun. Von Rumpel takes one step towards her and she shoots him directly in the head. The Nazi maniac falls to the ground, his eyes fixed on the Sea of Flames. In a poetic manner, he meets his demise. When Werner notices the diamond, he instinctively reaches out to touch it, but Marie-Laure stops him. The diamond and its reputed curse have already claimed too many lives.

Marie-Laure and Werner Bond Over Their Shared Connection

Image via Netflix

Marie-Laure leads Werner to her great uncle's attic, where he used to broadcast. Werner informs Marie-Laure about the message her deceased great uncle left for her. He explains that her great uncle died in a bomb explosion when the American troops entered Saint-Melo. Etienne had tried to save Werner from the other Resistance members. Werner is fascinated by the radio setup and sits at the desk where Etienne and Marie-Laure used to broadcast. He reveals that the professor was like a father to him since he grew up in an orphanage. They connect further when they both recite a meaningful phrase from one of the professor's lessons: "The most important light is the light you cannot see."

While enjoying canned peaches together, they hear a humming sound from the radio. Werner fixes it and decides to broadcast a message to his sister, Jutta. Unbeknownst to him, she has been listening to the radio in his absence. As she listens at the orphanage, Debussy's "Clair de Lune," the same song the professor played during his broadcasts, begins to play. Werner addresses Jutta, informing her of his location and his determination to come back home. He reassures her that he still holds the promise to stay connected in his thoughts, despite being taken to the Nazi boarding school. Before concluding his message, Werner mentions meeting the professor and sitting next to a girl with the most beautiful eyes. Jutta, in Germany, cries while embracing the radio.

Werner switches off his broadcast, and Marie-Laure stretches out her hand, leading him to rise and place his hand on her waist. Together, they move to the remaining section of “Clair de Lune.” While the melody fills the air, they embrace tightly, cherishing the arduous path they have traversed to reach this moment. Both young adults, scarred and battered by the atrocities of war, find respite, interwoven with memories of their childhood, listening to the same broadcast. Marie-Laure gently touches Werner's face, prompting them to lean back and share a kiss. They hold each other close until the music fades away.

The Allies Liberate Saint-Malo, But Marie-Laure Is Left All Alone

Image via Netflix

After the music ceases, Werner and Marie-Laure discern the presence of American troops in the surrounding streets. In an attempt to ensure Werner's safe escape from Saint-Malo without being detected, Marie-Laure offers to guide him through the secret passageways that lead to the city wall. Concerned for Marie-Laure's safety in case she is apprehended with him, Werner declines the proposal. Instead, he reassures her that they will reunite through the medium of shortwave 13.10. He pledges to diligently listen if she ever broadcasts and affirms his intention to return to her once the war concludes. At first, Marie-Laure entertains the hope that Werner might have a change of heart, yet he remains resolute in his decision. He confesses that he fell in love with her voice while listening to it on shortwave 13.10.

Marie-Laure advises him to surrender to the American soldiers, otherwise the townspeople will harm him like they did to Sandrina, who sacrificed her escape in exchange for the information on Marie-Laure's house. By surrendering, he will at least receive clothing, food, and a chance to survive. Agreeing with her, Werner accompanies Marie-Laure downstairs to face his fate. He assures her that he will be listening as he steps out of the doorway with a white cloth, surrendering to the American soldiers. Marie-Laure listens as they apprehend Werner.

Once Werner is taken away, Marie returns to the parlor where von Rumpel's body and the Sea of Flames are. Using a handkerchief, she retrieves the famous diamond, as she was particularly wary of its curse. She then traverses through the town, witnessing the celebration of Saint-Melo's liberation. The sounds of joy around her cause Marie-Laure to become emotional. Yet, her final destination is the beach she used to visit with her father. In solitude, she walks into the water and hurls the Sea of Flames back into the ocean, symbolizing its return to its watery resting place. (It's reminiscent of the scene from Titanic!)

In the final moments of the limited series, Marie-Laure finds herself standing on the shore, captivated by the sound of the waves. She is reminded of her father's words, likening the waves to the earth taking a breath. Taking a deep breath herself, Marie-Laure allows the weight of her survival to wash over her. However, despite the Battle of Saint-Malo signaling the beginning of the end of the German occupation in France, the conclusion of the limited series finds Marie-Laure utterly alone. Her father, great uncle/professor, and Madame Manec have all perished, deviating from the book's conclusion. Similar to Werner, Marie-Laure is now an orphan. Although they vowed to wait for each other, there is no indication that Werner will ever be released from his imprisonment.

Based on what we have witnessed in the limited series, the future remains uncertain for Marie-Laure, Werner, and Jutta. Will Werner manage to reunite with his sister? How will he grapple with the horrors he has been involved in? Do Marie-Laure and Werner maintain hope for a reunion on the other side of the war? Unless there are plans for a second season, the answers to these lingering questions are submerged in the depths of the ocean, alongside the Sea of Flames.

All the Light We Cannot See is currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S.

Editor's P/S

In the thrilling conclusion of "All the Light We Cannot See," the Battle of Saint-Malo unfolds, bringing Marie-Laure and Werner together in a poignant and unforgettable way. As the Allies liberate the city, Werner surrenders and promises to listen to Marie-Laure on the radio after the war. However, this leaves Marie-Laure alone, facing an uncertain future.

The changes made to the original story in the series add depth and emotional resonance to the ending. Marie-Laure's confrontation with von Rumpel is particularly powerful, as she emerges from her solitary existence to defend herself and her father's memory. The revelation of her father's fate is heartbreaking, but it also serves as a catalyst for Marie-Laure's transformation from a sheltered young girl into a courageous and resourceful woman.

The bond between Marie-Laure and Werner is another highlight of the ending. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, they find common ground in their shared experiences of war and loss. Their connection is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as it reminds us of the capacity for human kindness even in the darkest of times.