Breaking Down the Twisty Ending of The Better Sister

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Better Sister

As New York City’s high society prepares for the summer season in the Hamptons, Amazon Prime releases a gripping new thriller centered around a tragic murder involving two influential attorneys.

The Better Sister, debuting on May 29, is a television adaptation of Alafair Burke’s novel of the same name. The story follows Chloe Taylor (Jessica Biel), a magazine executive, as she embarks on a relentless quest to uncover her husband Adam’s (Corey Stoll) killer. When suspicion initially falls on their son Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan), the narrative quickly reveals a web of family secrets and complex relationships hidden beneath the glamorous exterior.

The tension intensifies with the arrival of Chloe’s estranged sister, Nicky (Elizabeth Banks), who reenters her life to assist with the legal proceedings when Ethan is accused of Adam’s murder. Throughout the series, Chloe perceives herself as the “better sister,” boasting a successful career and a seemingly perfect family, while Nicky, battling addiction, is viewed as someone who has failed to get her life together. However, as the story unfolds, viewers are prompted to reconsider what truly defines a “better sister” and the sacrifices each makes for family.

This narrative is a classic whodunit, exploring themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the dark underbelly of wealth and privilege. Here’s a detailed look at the family drama, the mystery, and the surprising resolution of this intense thriller.

The central mystery revolves around the question: Who was responsible for Adam Taylor’s death?

Chloe and Adam live a life of luxury, residing in a penthouse overlooking Central Park, with a secondary home in the Hamptons. Chloe manages a women’s magazine, while Adam is a prominent lawyer at a prestigious firm. Their social calendar is filled with high-profile events and galas, exemplifying their affluent lifestyle.

One evening, while at their Hamptons residence, Chloe discovers Adam lying dead in a pool of blood-an image that sets the entire series in motion.

By the second episode, Ethan is arrested after DNA evidence links him to the crime scene-his DNA is found under Adam’s fingernails. This revelation is just the beginning of a complex investigation. The police also contact Nicky, revealing her as Ethan’s biological mother, which complicates the family dynamics further.

Despite the police’s initial suspicion of Ethan, Chloe’s perception of her sister remains conflicted. She views Nicky as an addict who struggles to keep her life on track, unaware that Nicky was once married to Adam and that they shared custody of Ethan. Chloe’s belief is rooted in her knowledge that Adam had previously gained full custody after discovering Nicky intoxicated and unconscious in a pool with Ethan nearby.

The trial of Ethan exposes the dark secrets of the Taylor family. During testimonies, Ethan admits to his lawyer, Michelle Sanders, that Nicky gave him a secret phone after his grandfather’s funeral, and that he maintained contact with her behind Chloe and Adam’s backs. The prosecution argues that Ethan’s secret communications and online activity-posting threatening messages about Adam, including one calling for his death-point to his potential involvement.

In episode 6, Chloe takes the stand and recounts a violent altercation with Adam, revealing that he once pushed her against a wall, causing her to fall. She also shares that Adam blamed her for pressuring him to leave public service work for a corporate law firm, adding layers to his character and their tumultuous relationship.

The prosecution emphasizes that no murder weapon has been found, and evidence such as bloodstains on Ethan and witnesses placing him away from the scene cast doubt on his guilt. Ultimately, the jury acquits Ethan, but the story’s revelations continue to unfold beyond the courtroom.

After the trial, startling facts come to light. Ethan uncovers police reports indicating he was not drowning when rescued, contradicting previous accounts. He also discovers that Nicky had been using Xanax, Ambien, and alcohol, raising questions about her stability. Flashbacks reveal Adam crushing pills and mixing them with alcohol, suggesting a possible motive or means for the murder.

Nicky, meanwhile, realizes she had suspected her own involvement all along. She had been aware of Adam’s abusive tendencies and had even drugged herself with substances to cope. Chloe, however, remains in the dark about these details, haunted by Adam’s ghostly presence and his alleged desire to regain full custody of Ethan, especially given Nicky’s substance issues.

In a pivotal moment, Ethan reveals that just hours before Adam’s death, he saw Adam push Chloe during a rooftop selfie attempt overlooking Central Park. Ethan confesses that he believed Adam had harmed Chloe before, which explains his frantic behavior and attempts to cover up his involvement.

Nicky, driven by her protective instincts, drives from Ohio to confront Adam. When Adam threatens to call the police, Nicky retaliates by stabbing him with a pocket knife, revealing her as the true perpetrator. Ethan’s actions-throwing objects around the house and hiding evidence-were motivated by his desire to shield Chloe, believing she was the real victim.

Further investigation shows Ethan’s guilt for not calling an ambulance after witnessing Adam’s breathing difficulties, and his fear of losing his mother or being harmed himself. The series concludes with the revelation that Nicky is the actual murderer, confirmed by detective Nancy Guidry after uncovering Nicky’s prior confessions to her mother. However, due to procedural errors and biases, Nicky’s guilt remains officially unproven in court.

The story closes with Chloe and Nicky sharing a quiet moment on the beach, contemplating writing a memoir about their ordeal. Their estranged relationship has been mended, and they now stand united, stronger than ever, having faced the darkest family secrets together.