The Post-Conclusion Fate of Marie and Werner in All the Light We Cannot See
Discover the captivating destinies of Marie and Werner in All The Light We Cannot See unraveled Unveil the intriguing contrasts between the book's ending and Netflix's adaptation
Spoilers ahead for both the show and book versions of All the Light We Cannot See.
Article Overview
In the original book, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, the fate of Marie and Werner remains ambiguous, keeping viewers guessing. However, the Netflix series introduces additional characters and alters certain aspects, such as the quantity of Sea of Flames diamonds.
The show's ending offers a more optimistic outcome for Marie and Werner, providing hope for redemption and a brighter future for both characters. All the Light We Cannot See, the Netflix adaptation of Anthony Doerr's novel, maintains an element of ambiguity surrounding the fate of Marie and Werner, leaving viewers with the intriguing question of what ultimately happened to the characters in the original book. While the adaptation stays true to the primary aspects of Doerr's story, it takes creative liberties to ensure the narrative is suitable for the audiovisual format.
Marie & Werner's Fates In The All The Light We Cannot See Book Explained
Netflix's adaptation of All The Light We Cannot See, unlike the book, introduces a larger cast of characters. Notably, the television series depicts multiple copies of the Sea of Flames diamond, whereas the book only mentions a single one. However, the most substantial departure between the show and Anthony Doerr's original novel lies in the ending. The fate of Marie and Werner diverges significantly, altering the narrative in a profound way.
The conclusion of the Netflix show's storyline presents a more hopeful outcome for Marie, despite the losses of her father and Etienne. She maintains her optimism for the future, as depicted in the closing scene where she goes to the beach and throws the Sea of Flames into the ocean. By doing so, she ensures that the curse of the gem does not affect her anymore. Werner's story arc also reaches a positive yet uncertain resolution. Although he surrenders to the Americans, there is a possibility that he may eventually hear Marie's voice on the radio and find redemption for his war crimes. However, in the book All the Light We Cannot See, both characters face even more tragedy towards the end compared to their portrayals in the show.
Why Netflix's All The Light We Cannot See Changed The Book's Ending
Werner's imprisonment in the book leads to his illness, causing him to spend his days reflecting on Marie-Laure and their initial hand-holding experience. He contemplates his actions during the war and his early school days. In his final moments, his worsening illness drives him to leave his tent one night, only to meet his demise by stepping on a land mine. Following the battle, Marie does not return to Saint-Malo and instead resides in Paris with Etienne. The book also introduces a flash-forward to 2014, where Marie appears to have moved on from her past and roams the streets of Paris accompanied by her grandson. However, a part of her still remembers and feels the presence of those she lost on her journey, including Werner, who saved her life.
Shawn Levy and Steven Knight, the creators of Netflix's All the Light We Cannot See, didn't change the book's ending to deceive viewers into believing that nothing from the book's final arc was real. Instead, they made slight modifications, omitting the flash-forwards of Marie and Werner's lives, in order to leave room for hope and the possibility that the two characters' fates could have unfolded differently. Shawn Levy, the director, expressed his admiration for the book and emphasized that he didn't intend to pass judgment on its ending. However, he wanted to ensure that Netflix's adaptation of All The Light We Cannot See would be a touch less tragic and infused with more optimism.
Sources: Netflix Tudum
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of "All the Light We Cannot See," I have mixed feelings about the contrasting fates of Marie and Werner in the book and the Netflix adaptation. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's more optimistic ending, which offers hope for redemption and a brighter future for both characters. The scene where Marie throws the Sea of Flames into the ocean symbolizes her release from the curse of the gem and her determination to move forward with her life is powerful and uplifting.
On the other hand, I feel that the book's ending, while more tragic, is also more realistic and thought-provoking. It shows the lasting impact of war and trauma on the lives of the characters and emphasizes the importance of remembering those who have been lost. The book's portrayal of Werner's illness and his final moments is particularly poignant and serves as a reminder of the consequences of his actions during the war.
Ultimately, I believe that both the book and the Netflix adaptation offer unique and valuable perspectives on the characters' fates. The book's ending is more faithful to the novel and provides a deeper exploration of the characters' inner struggles, while the show's ending is more uplifting and leaves room for hope. As a fan, I appreciate both versions and believe that they each offer something different to the viewer.
