Since its Netflix release earlier this year, the ending of My Son has left many viewers puzzled. This improvised thriller stars James McAvoy as Edmond Murray, who embarks on a desperate search for his missing son, Ethan, after receiving a call from his ex-wife, Joan (Claire Foy). McAvoy, who was not given a script during filming, was as uncertain about the plot as the audience, and while the film resolves the mystery of Ethan’s disappearance, it leaves some questions unresolved.
If My Son has left you confused, here’s a breakdown of what transpired, including the reasons behind Edmond’s arrest and Frank’s role in the story. In My Son, James McAvoy delivers a gripping performance as a father on a desperate quest to find his missing child.
My Son Explained: Was Frank Involved in the Kidnapping?
Initially, Edmond suspects Joan’s new partner, Frank (Tom Cullen), of being involved in the kidnapping. However, it turns out that Frank unintentionally aids Edmond in uncovering the truth about his son’s disappearance. While Edmond is detained for assaulting Frank, he discovers crucial evidence on Frank’s phone that links a particular vehicle to Ethan’s last known sightings.
With the help of Joan’s brother, who works in insurance, Edmond traces the vehicle to its owner, William, who lives on a remote farm. Under duress, William reveals that he works for a kidnapping ring that selects and abducts children based on photos they receive. Edmond then tracks down Ethan, who is being held at Dunmore Lodge by kidnappers.
After leaving a message for Joan with the location of Ethan and instructions to contact Inspector Roy (Gary Lewis), Edmond rescues his son just before Joan arrives. They manage to escape, although Edmond is injured in the process. Inspector Roy subsequently finds them and ensures their safety, but Edmond’s situation remains grim. The plot of My Son revolves around the harrowing journey of a father searching for his son after he disappears from a campsite.
My Son Ending: The Reason Behind Edmond’s Arrest
The film’s final scenes suggest a happy reunion, with Edmond and Joan watching Ethan play with a toy drone. However, Inspector Roy’s arrival and subsequent conversation with Edmond reveal that he will be taken away, hinting at his arrest.
The film does not clearly explain the exact reasons for Edmond’s arrest. One theory is that Edmond’s actions during the rescue, including the use of torture, may have led to legal issues, though it’s unlikely he will face severe consequences given the context. Another possibility involves Edmond’s background; earlier in the film, he provides his phone to the police, who use it to investigate potential suspects. Edmond’s international work in the oil industry, including trips to conflict zones like Iraq and Libya, might have led to further scrutiny.
Joan informs Edmond that the police have raided his office and seized sensitive documents, including the “Iraq files.” This suggests that Edmond might have inadvertently exposed himself to legal trouble while trying to find his son, especially given that his phone contained sensitive information. My Son explores the emotional and psychological toll of a parent’s worst nightmare when their child goes missing.
Despite these complications, there may be some hope for Edmond. Inspector Roy hints that Edmond’s cooperation in dismantling the kidnapping ring could work in his favor during legal proceedings. Roy mentions that the dismantling of the network is advancing rapidly and that future arrests could be beneficial for Edmond’s case. Therefore, Edmond might face a shorter sentence and potentially be reunited with his son sooner rather than later.