The Last Sunrise was released last week, and it did a wonderful job of honoring Anna Todd’s book, as mentioned in our review. But how did it end? What happened to Oriah? Was her surgery successful? Did she lose her memories as a result? And what happened in that closing scene? We have the answers, as well as our theories, in this ending explained for the film.
What happened to Oriah?
Oriah has been living with Tuberous sclerosis, which is a rare genetic condition that causes invasive noncancerous tumors to grow in various parts of the body. One of the things it also causes is epilepsy. Because of this, Ry is on a very strict medication regimen. The pills she takes make her feel numb and like she’s a zombie. While on her trip to Mallorca, she decided to stop taking her medicine because she wanted to feel like a normal young adult.
Throughout the film, there are several moments when Oriah has symptoms that indicate at some point she will have a seizure. Her vision blurs, she has some dizzy spells, and hand tremors. A seizure for Oriah could be deadly. She knows this, but she’s finally feeling free with Julian by her side, and she’s also feeling emotions she hadn’t fully felt in a very long time.
More: The Last Sunrise Review: A Love Story That Reminds Us Everyone Deserves A Happy Ending
When her mother found out she had stopped taking her medication, they got into a heated exchange. The stress of the argument induced a seizure, which caused Oriah to fall into the hotel swimming pool, and she was rushed to the hospital. During her hospitalization, she snuck off to see Julian, which of course was very unwise. She filled him in on her diagnosis as well as the possibility of surgery, which she was against because there was a risk of losing her memories.
While with Julian on the beach, Oriah lost consciousness and was rushed back to the hospital, where Isolde learned her condition had deteriorated. After an emotional conversation between her and Julian, she agreed to let the doctors perform the life-saving operation.
Was Oriah’s surgery successful and did she lose her memories as a result?
Oriah’s emergency surgery was successful, but when she woke up, it was clear that she had lost some memories. The moment Julian approached Ry, she was trying to figure out who he was. The slight tilt of her head and the raised eyebrow looked like, “Do I know you?” The thing is that the film doesn’t show the doctor’s conversations with the family to let them know she has lost her memory. As an audience, you must look for the context clues to figure it out.
Oriah’s monologue helps as she tells the audience her memories come back to her one by one. She has forgotten things, even Julian. But she makes it clear he feels familiar to her. She feels like she could touch him. And she feels like he’s someone she used to know.
What happened in the closing scene?
After Oriah loses consciousness on the beach, the story shifts slightly and is told from Julian’s point of view. Julian knew the risks of Ry having surgery, but he was prepared for it. He is ready to help Oriah remember. In his mind, he would rather have her living even if it meant there was a chance she wouldn’t remember him.
Unlike the last few chapters of the book The Last Sunris e, Ry did forget him. Because he’s determined to help her remember him, he shows up on the beach where they met and reintroduces himself. This leads us to our theory.
More: The Last Sunrise stars Maia Reficco and Fernando Lindez Talk Bringing Anna Todd’s Book To Life
As I said, in The Last Sunrise book, Ry remembers. She remembers everything and everyone. In the epilogue, which is one year later, she and Julian are still strong. With rumors that we could be getting a sequel to The Last Sunrise movie, I believe it will be told from Julian’s point of view. Ry doesn’t remember who he is, so he must remind her. I think the film will be spent with him working on just that. This would offer a unique spin on Anna Todd’s story.
We’ve already fallen in love with Oriah and Julian. This would give us more to root for. It would also add some suspense. I am curious to know how they will work with this because we don’t have the additional elements of him and his father trying to save their family business. And there isn’t the drama of Matteo and Isoldes relationship. Makes me wonder if they will add in an element of a love triangle between Julian, Ry, and some other guy competing for her affection.
Don’t hate me for saying that, but what else could they do? To continue this story after The Last Sunrise, we need some more drama. Of course, Oriah’s health could add to that as well. Even though she had a major procedure, that might not necessarily mean she’s all clear. But it all remains to be seen. Either way, we’re more invested than ever in what’s to come for Oriah and Julian in the next chapter.
What did you think about this ending explained? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below!
