Netflix’s latest thriller, Envious, has quickly gained attention for its gripping storyline, star-studded cast, and shocking ending. Released on September 18, 2024, the film takes viewers through a psychological journey filled with mystery and unexpected twists. Here’s a detailed review of Envious, including the release details, full cast, plot explanation, and a breakdown of the movie’s surprising ending. Be aware—there are spoilers ahead!
Release Date and Overview
Envious was officially released on Netflix on September 18, 2024. The movie has been marketed as a psychological thriller that explores the dark sides of jealousy, betrayal, and the dangers of obsession. The movie is already climbing the Netflix Top 10 charts globally, showing that it has struck a chord with audiences.
Plot Overview of Envious
The story of Envious revolves around two lifelong friends, Sarah and Mia, whose friendship slowly turns toxic when Sarah begins to envy Mia’s successful career and perfect family life. Set in the backdrop of a small suburban town, the movie delves into themes of jealousy and ambition. Sarah’s growing obsession with Mia’s life becomes dangerous, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control.
The movie opens with a seemingly happy reunion of the two friends, but it soon becomes clear that Sarah harbors deep envy toward Mia. Sarah feels trapped in her own life, struggling with a stagnant career and a failing relationship, while Mia has everything Sarah desires—a great job, a loving husband, and a beautiful home.
As the movie progresses, Sarah’s envy turns into a darker obsession, and she begins plotting ways to undermine Mia’s life. What begins as small, passive-aggressive moves escalates into dangerous and manipulative actions, leading to shocking consequences.
Cast and Characters
The movie stars a talented ensemble cast, including some familiar faces from popular TV shows and movies. Here’s a breakdown of the main cast and their roles in Envious:
- Lily Collins as Sarah – Sarah is the protagonist, struggling with her inner demons and overwhelming envy toward her friend Mia. Lily Collins portrays Sarah’s transformation from a friendly, relatable character into a disturbed individual with eerie precision.
- Emma Roberts as Mia – Mia is Sarah’s best friend, whose successful life becomes the object of Sarah’s obsession. Emma Roberts does a great job showing the vulnerability of a woman who has no idea that her best friend is secretly plotting against her.
- Sebastian Stan as Mark – Mark is Mia’s supportive and loving husband. He tries to mediate the growing tension between Sarah and Mia, unaware of Sarah’s hidden intentions.
- Sam Claflin as David – David is Sarah’s emotionally distant boyfriend. His lack of support and understanding pushes Sarah further down the path of jealousy and manipulation.
- Alison Brie as Lisa – Lisa is another mutual friend who tries to mediate the situation but becomes entangled in Sarah’s schemes.
Themes and Symbolism in Envious
Envious touches upon a number of complex themes. The most significant one, as the title suggests, is jealousy. Sarah’s envy becomes the driving force of the plot, slowly poisoning her thoughts and actions. The movie also explores the theme of betrayal, showing how jealousy can drive someone to betray even the people they once cared about the most.
There’s also a subtle commentary on the pressures of societal expectations. Sarah feels inadequate compared to Mia because of the high standards set by society around success, relationships, and image. These feelings fester inside her, leading her to take drastic actions to feel like she’s back in control.
The symbolism in Envious is subtle but important. Throughout the movie, mirrors play a significant role, representing Sarah’s distorted view of herself and her desire to live someone else’s life. The frequent use of reflections highlights her inner conflict and mental deterioration.
Review and Performance
Envious has garnered mixed reviews from critics. Many praise the performances of Lily Collins and Emma Roberts, noting their strong chemistry and emotional range. The movie’s suspenseful buildup and tense atmosphere have also been highlighted as key strengths.
However, some critics feel that the film becomes predictable towards the middle. The plot, while thrilling, doesn’t stray too far from the typical psychological thriller formula, with some calling it a familiar story of jealousy and obsession.
Despite this, Envious shines in its execution of tension and atmosphere. The slow buildup of suspense, paired with the chilling performances, keeps viewers engaged throughout its runtime. The film’s climax and final twist, which we’ll discuss below, is what makes Envious stand out from other similar movies.
Explaining the Ending (Spoilers Ahead)
The ending of Envious leaves viewers stunned. After weeks of manipulating and sabotaging Mia’s life, Sarah finally succeeds in ruining Mia’s marriage and career. In the final act, Mia discovers the truth about Sarah’s betrayal. The confrontation between the two is intense, with Mia demanding an explanation for Sarah’s actions.
In a shocking twist, Sarah confesses her jealousy but claims that it’s Mia’s fault for flaunting her success. The movie takes a dark turn when Sarah pushes Mia down the stairs in a fit of rage, leaving her severely injured. However, the real twist comes in the final moments when Sarah’s own life begins to unravel. The guilt and paranoia of her actions begin to consume her, and she is left completely isolated.
The movie ends with Sarah looking into a mirror, only to see a distorted version of herself. It’s clear that Sarah has lost her sanity, and she’s left alone, broken, and without the things she once envied. The ending raises questions about the destructive nature of envy and leaves viewers thinking long after the credits roll.
Spoiler Discussion
For those wondering about specific spoilers, here are a few of the key moments that lead to the film’s dramatic conclusion:
- Sarah begins by secretly sabotaging Mia’s work, spreading rumors that lead to Mia being demoted at her job.
- Sarah then manipulates Mia’s husband, Mark, into thinking Mia is having an affair, which causes a major rift between them.
- In one of the most shocking scenes, Sarah breaks into Mia’s house to steal personal items, further feeding her obsession with becoming Mia.
- The final confrontation, where Mia confronts Sarah about her actions, is a powerful scene that leads to the film’s tragic conclusion.
Final Thoughts
Envious is a well-crafted psychological thriller that explores the dark sides of envy and obsession. While the plot may be familiar, the performances and execution elevate the movie, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s unsettling atmosphere and gripping ending leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or looking for something new to watch on Netflix, Envious is a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is a cautionary tale about how envy can consume a person and destroy even the strongest relationships.
As Envious continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that this Netflix original has resonated with audiences around the world.
