Unveiling the Truth Behind Amabella's Deception in Big Little Lies (and the Real Culprit)
Delving into the enigma of Amabella's bully in Big Little Lies, uncovering the hidden layers of deception and the true identity of the perpetrator.
One lingering question in Big Little Lies is why Amabella (Ivy George) lies about Ziggy (Iain Armitage) bullying her. The show is set within an affluent California community and hints at a murder mystery right from the start, showing that the characters' seemingly perfect lives may not be so flawless. However, the main source of drama in season 1 of Big Little Lies revolves around Amabella's storyline. It is revealed that she is being harmed by someone and accuses one of her classmates, causing tension within the community. The truth behind Amabella's bully connects to one of the show's darker storylines.
Although there were many unanswered questions by the end of season 2, Amabella's storyline in the first season was both relatable and disturbing, especially due to her young age. Amabella is a quiet and sensitive girl who is closely watched over by her protective mother, Renata (Laura Dern). Despite coming from wealth and privilege like most families in the community, she is clearly affected when she becomes a victim of bullying at school. Given her tender age and the fear and anxiety she experiences, it is understandable why Amabella resorts to lying about her bully.
Big Little Lies is available to stream on Max.
Amabella Falsely Blames Ziggy To Avoid A Dark Truth
Amabella Hid The True Identity Of Her Bully
Ziggy sitting in the backseat of a car in Big Little Lies - Amabella Hid The True Identity Of Her Bully - Amabella Falsely Blames Ziggy To Avoid A Dark Truth
Amabella understands the danger and decides to name Ziggy, believing he wouldn't harm her back. The drama unfolds quickly in season 1 of Big Little Lies as the children are being picked up from school. Renata notices bruises on her daughter, Amabella. In a tense moment, the teacher prompts Amabella to identify the culprit. Feeling pressured, Amabella points to Ziggy, the new student. Actor Iain Armitage, known for Young Sheldon, convincingly portrays Ziggy's innocence, adding to the possibility that Amabella falsely accused him to protect her real bully.
It's evident that Amabella lied to avoid the adults' questions. She chose to blame the new kid in school, perhaps as the easiest way to shift responsibility and keep hidden the truth she's scared to reveal. This also highlights a theme in the show of social and economic differences, as Ziggy and his mother Jane are not as wealthy as the other families in their community. Similar to HBO's Succession, Big Little Lies explores how the wealthy can be disconnected from regular people, making it easier for Renata and others to believe Ziggy is the one at fault.
Even though Amabella falsely accuses Ziggy of bullying her, the show cleverly avoids portraying her as the villain. In fact, Ziggy confesses that he and Amabella are friends after the accusation. However, the reason behind her lie adds a disturbing layer to the story, as she was coerced into silence. Despite her young age, Amabella understands the threat and chooses to blame Ziggy, possibly because she knows he is a kind friend who wouldn't retaliate in the way she fears.
Max Wright Was Amabella’s Bully
Max's Bullying Is Even More Heartbreaking Due To His Home Life
The Wright twins stare at their mother on Big Little Lies - Max's Bullying Is Even More Heartbreaking Due To His Home Life - Max Wright Was Amabella’s Bully
Max develops a warped take on that type of violence and mimics his father in becoming Amabella's bully
After admitting he has known the truth all along, Ziggy tells his mother that Max Wright (Nicholas Crovetti) has been the one hurting Amabella. Despite being blamed, Ziggy kept the secret as a promise to Amabella who was afraid of what Max would do to her if she said anything.
The revelation that Max learned this behavior by watching how his father abused his mother adds another disturbing element. It also further explains why Amabella lied about who was hurting her. Celeste and Perry had a seemingly perfect marriage on the outside with the abuse being hidden from the world.
Unfortunately, the reason behind Max's bullying is even more heartbreaking; Hearing the domestic abuse his own mother Celeste (Nicole Kidman) is subjected to from his violent father, Perry (Alexander Skarsgård), Max develops a warped take on that type of violence and mimics his father when he becomes Amabella's bully. It is likely that Perry made such threats to Celeste about keeping the truth hidden and that Max mimicked those threats against Amabella as well.
Season 3 of Big Little Lies has officially been confirmed. The intriguing storylines, such as the mystery surrounding Amabella's bully, continue to captivate both fans and critics alike. The revelation of Amabella's bully, the accusations against Ziggy, and the connections to Celeste's abuse all intertwined brilliantly to emphasize the show's underlying themes and set the stage for the dramatic climax in the final episode of season 1. The lingering question of why Amabella fabricated the identity of her bully further demonstrates the lasting impact of Big Little Lies on its audience, even years after its initial release.
