'The Bad Orphan' Ending Explained: Does Gabby get caught? Jessica fights to save family
Contains spoilers for Lifetime's 'The Bad Orphan'
CALGARY, ALBERTA: As 'The Bad Orphan' reaches its poignant conclusion, Lifetime's gripping drama reveals layers of its adoption tale inspired by real-life events. Directed by Michelle Ouellet, the film delves deep into the lives of Jessica (Betsy Brandt) and Karl (Mark Taylor), who embark on a transformative journey of expanding their family through the adoption of Gabby (Chloe Coco Chapman).
Throughout the narrative, viewers are drawn into the complexities of adoption and familial dynamics, witnessing the emotional upheavals and resilience of the characters. Parallels to the infamous case of Natalia Grace add a chilling depth to the storyline, highlighting themes of suspicion, love, and maternal instinct.
As the credits roll, 'The Bad Orphan' leaves a lasting impression, provoking discussion on the boundaries of familial bonds and the enduring strength required to confront uncertainties in adoption and parenthood.
The film's exploration of these themes resonates long after the screen fades to black, offering a profound insight into the human experience and the complexities of love and resilience.
Jessica makes bold decision to save her family in 'The Bad Orphan'
In the climax of 'The Bad Orphan', the tension between Jessica and Gabby reaches a breaking point. Jessica, suspecting something is off with Gabby, asks her to come along to meet Mrs. Savage. Gabby refuses, fearing they will lock her up.
Feeling uneasy, Jessica prepares a bath for Gabby and confronts her about pretending to be a little girl. Gabby admits she is actually 15 years old. Jessica, already suspicious, reveals that she knows about Gabby's famous mother and her past life in Monaco along with this she also claims that she is above 18.
Gabby confesses she lied to make Jessica like her. She also warns Jessica that she'll regret sending her away. As Jessica goes to get towels, Gabby suddenly disappears. The house alarm goes on, and everyone rushes outside to look for her. The police arrive and start a search, but Gabby is nowhere to be found.
Later that night, Karl, Jessica’s husband, hears a noise and gets scared. Jessica tells him that it was just a tree branch tapping on the window. However, Karl soon finds Gabby tied up in a bathroom drawer.
As Karl goes to get a knife to free her, Jessica grabs a towel and tries to strangle Gabby. Karl stops her, and Jessica tells him that she wants to kill Gabby because she believes Gabby is faking her age and is a threat.
Karl helps Jessica while protecting Gabby in 'The Bad Orphan'
Jessica begs Karl to see the truth and stop defending Gabby. But Karl, not convinced, calls the doctors, who take Jessica away. A doctor later explains that Jessica’s behavior stems from her own mental health issues, causing her to see Gabby as an enemy.
Back home, Karl tries to reassure Gabby and their daughter that Jessica is getting the help she needs. He then asks Gabby why she lied about her age. Gabby explains that older children are less likely to be adopted and shares a story about her grandmother to gain sympathy. Karl promises to take care of her.
Three months later, Karl visits Jessica in the hospital. Jessica expresses deep regret and guilt for trying to harm Gabby, believing she attacked an innocent girl. Meanwhile, back at home, Gabby is shown smoking a cigarette and putting on makeup, looking much older than a child.
Jessica’s older daughter starts to notice unsettling signs like Gabby stealing her things, hinting that Gabby might have sinister intentions that are yet to be revealed.
'The Bad Orphan' is available for streaming on Lifetime.