Sharp Objects Ending Explained

7. What's With The Dollhouse?

Amy Adams Sharp Objects
HBO

Though it's been a constant presence throughout the entire show, the significance of Amma's cherished dollhouse was only revealed in the closing moments of the finale. It turned out that it was actually hiding a sinister secret the entire time: namely, that the ivory floor of the real Preaker house had been recreated using human teeth from Amma's victims.

It's a detail Camille notices once she finally gets a close look at Amma's prized possession, after her sister had been so adamant about keeping her away from it in previous episodes.

However, the obsession with getting the dollhouse "perfect" is also important in understanding Amma's murderous M.O. It's no coincidence that the second body was found propped up "like a doll" in the alleyway, or that great lengths were gone to to groom the victims, by painting their nails and, in the book, shaving their legs, before killing them. It all fits with the killer's obsession with exerting control to perfect her childish fantasy.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.