Sharp Objects Q&A

In the small town of Wind Gap, John Keene, the elder brother of victim Natalie Keene, becomes a subject of suspicion for several reasons. Firstly, his status as an outsider, not having been raised in Wind Gap, makes him an easy target. Secondly, his emotional disposition and sensitivity, which deviate from the town’s traditional masculine norms, render him “dangerous” in the eyes of the townsfolk. Lastly, his lack of a solid alibi for the night of Natalie’s murder further fuels the suspicions. However, it’s crucial to note that John, devastated by his sister’s demise, consistently asserts his innocence.

Adora Crellin is afflicted with Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological disorder that compels individuals to inflict harm on others to garner attention and admiration in the caregiver role. This condition prompts her to administer a toxic blend of crushed pills and other liquids, masqueraded as medicine, to Marian and Amma. This act of poisoning enables Adora to enact the part of a nurturing mother, fulfilling her emotional need to feel indispensable and exert control.

Amma extracts the teeth from her victims for a deeply unsettling purpose. She employs them to mimic the ivory floor of her mother Adora’s room in her dollhouse, a project that encapsulates both her fury and her subversion of traditional feminine norms. Amma’s actions stem from jealousy and a craving for attention, as she feels threatened when her mother showers attention on other girls. The act of extracting the teeth, which necessitates physical strength and emotional detachment, underscores the complexity and disturbing nature of Amma’s character.