* I don't recommend reading if you haven't watched movie first. Contains Spoilers*
This movies has many debts to it and I rewatched several times to notice more than a few things I missed the 1st & 2nd time. Early on the movie shows us that Lukas is dead, but from the beginning we're so focused on the mother's behaviors that it's missed. ( kind of like watching one hand in a card trick ) like
Elias always saying, "Lukas said", or Elias calling out to Lukas with no reply, or the one bowl on the dinner table and many more clues!! This movie is phenomenal in displaying a family's ability in handling grief alone when it should be handled together. I feel Elias's delusional & phycotic behavior would not have manifested beyond return if mom had been there for him in his time of need instead of putting a cosmetic surgery at the top of her list. ( Think about it… A young child's father isn't present anymore, brother is dead & then mom goes away for surgery ) Elias being left alone for such a long time he had to find a way to cope and upon her return, becoming mean & isolating herself from Elias was her biggest of her many faults. For a child that's clearly missing his twin (a bond that started in the womb) & bestfriend. Yes mom was struggling as well, but when you have children there wellness comes 1st. And this lack of motherly love & guidance led to to her own demise.
Bravo to this movie... Well written… It will keep you thinking once it's over and make you want to watch over. Good job!!!