In a world where the meaning behind every occurrence is often sought after, there are instances when the essence of these occurrences defies explanation, leaving us astounded. It is within these uncharted territories that we often find individuals who enter our lives with a transformative purpose, bridging the gaps that even our closest blood ties cannot. They are the ones who comprehend our deepest pain and offer solace beyond measure, sometimes catching us off guard with their arrival. Such was the role of Martha in Gabriel’s life, akin to the significance of a peridot stone which represents emotional healing; Martha became the catalyst for mending Gabriel’s wounds that he never thought he could confront.
Spoilers Ahead
Does Gabriel Find Happiness In His Profession?
Gabriel is a young and charismatic man who leads a somewhat monotonous life as a gigolo, driven by the need to earn money for his mother. Despite the challenges of his chosen profession, Gabriel finds happiness in the company of his best friend, Luke. Gabriel’s mother, understandably concerned, notices the growing distance between them since the day he started working in Los Angeles. While Gabriel’s role as a gigolo may provide financial stability, it’s important to consider the emotional toll it takes on him. Being a gigolo might offer material gains, but it might also come with emotional complexities and a sense of detachment.
Gabriel’s relationship with his mother reflects the strain caused by his profession. The problems between them could indicate disconnection, as his work choices challenge their bond and create a barrier between them. This further suggests that Gabriel’s happiness might be compromised by the compromises that he has made.
What Changes After Gabriel Meets Martha?
Gabriel’s path intersects with a mysterious older woman at the railway station. This encounter takes an intriguing turn when the woman, Martha, engages Gabriel in conversation. Rather than reacting with judgment or surprise upon learning of Gabriel’s profession as a gigolo, Martha responds in an unconventional manner. She extends an invitation to Gabriel, inviting him to spend the night at her house and simply enjoy each other’s company while listening to music. This proposition surprises Gabriel, as it deviates from his usual encounters and introduces an element of curiosity and intrigue into his life.
Martha’s willingness to pay for his companionship further piques his interest, prompting him to explore more about her. As Gabriel delves into Martha’s background, he discovers that she is an esteemed and widely recognized author. Her literary prowess adds another layer of fascination to their dynamic. Gabriel is captivated by her intellect, and Martha begins to perceive Gabriel’s underlying passion for writing, even though he limits his expressions to documenting his pain and memories in his personal journal. She recognizes the beauty in his raw, heartfelt writings, but Gabriel himself fails to grasp the significance of his own words.
But tragedy strikes when Gabriel’s closest friend, Luke, succumbs to a drug overdose. This devastating loss shatters Gabriel’s world, plunging him into a state of despair and vulnerability. In the midst of his anguish, he instinctively reaches out to Martha, seeking guidance. Sensitive to Gabriel’s fragile emotional state, Martha becomes a beacon of support and encouragement, determined to help him rise from the depths of his breakdown.
What Is Martha’s Secret?
Gabriel stumbles upon a photograph of a child who bears a striking resemblance to himself. This revelation leads him to confront Martha, seeking an explanation. However, Gabriel comes to realize that Martha sees him as a symbol of her own lost child, whom she tragically lost in a drowning incident years ago. For Martha, Gabriel’s presence evokes a sense of comfort, as if her child has returned to her, allowing Martha to momentarily alleviate the anguish of her past. But Martha also carries another secret burden. She is silently battling cancer, aware of her limited time left in this world.
In her heart, Martha yearns to spend her final days immersed in the warmth that Gabriel brings, cherishing every precious moment of their time together. Their days are filled with meaningful experiences as Gabriel and Martha embark on adventures, learning to drive, enjoying picnics, and strolling along the serene beaches. Martha’s aim is not only to create lasting memories with Gabriel but also to offer him a mother’s love and care that he may have longed for in his own life. As days pass, Gabriel notices a change in Martha’s responsiveness. Concerned and desperate to reach Martha, Gabriel attempts to contact her, seeking reassurance and hoping to understand the reasons behind Martha’s silence.
‘Peridot’ Ending
Gabriel struggles to comprehend Martha’s disappearance and assumes she must have grown tired of their connection. However, Martha’s assistant reaches out to Gabriel, delivering the heartbreaking news of her passing. Devastated, Gabriel’s world crumbles once again. Overwhelmed by grief, he finds himself on his knees, tears streaming down his face as the weight of his sorrows crushes him. But Gabriel discovers that Martha has left him a poignant parting gift- a laptop and a book. With a mix of reverence and unyielding love for Martha, Gabriel embraces the remnants of her presence. He opens the laptop, guided by her final words, and begins to write his own story. At the heart of his narrative, Gabriel starts with the cherished friendship he shared with Martha, painting a vivid picture of their connection and the impact she had on his life.
The movie Peridot serves as a reminder that death may claim the physical presence of a loved one, but it cannot extinguish the memories, lessons, and love shared between two souls. These moments remain etched in our hearts, forever shaping our perspective. Gabriel learns to see the world through Martha’s eyes, gaining a deeper understanding of her wisdom, love, and guidance. In the end, we are left with a powerful thought- that Martha and Gabriel’s story continues beyond the confines of our known reality. In some unknown dimension, they may indeed be living a peaceful existence, embodying the roles of mother and son, forever intertwined in an eternal connection.