ChiaroScuro Ending Explained: ChiaroScuro is an Italian crime murder mystery that brings viewers to a rather unexpected conclusion, revealing the identity of the serial killer and the disturbing reason behind the chain of murders. The eight-episode Netflix series follows Cosmo Speranza, an art expert who becomes a consultant to the police for investigating murders because of his artistic expertise and works with Angelo Tiberi, the police investigating the crimes. The series intertwines suspense with a little dash of comedy that keeps the series breathing.
Episodes 7 and 8 take the story towards its final confrontations filled with revenge, revealing the actual murderer in the series of crimes that were established in the course of the series.
The cast includes Pierpaolo Spollon, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Alessandro Preziosi, Aurora Giovinazzo, Gabriele Falsetta, Matteo Bassi, Andrea Lattanzi and Corrado Invernizzi, among others.
Warning: Major Spoiler Alert!
ChiaroScuro Ending Explained
Who Killed Cosmo’s Father, Rufo?
Episode 7 finally gives us the answer to the biggest mystery that hangs over the series: Rufo’s death. Rufo’s death is revealed to be a murder and not a suicide. Through a flashback, we get to know that Beatrice Keller was the one who shot Rufo Speranza. Beatrice’s words just before killing Rufo were, “Then goodbye, Rufo”.
The reason behind the murder was connected to Rufo’s intention to expose his own double life, as he was preparing to speak up because he felt he owed it to his children. Beatrice was not prepared to let that happen because she feared that their forgery would be exposed and asked him if he did that what would happen to “us”, namely, Ludovico, Cecilia, Beatrice and Mia before shooting him.
Why Does Beatrice Keller Go Missing?
After the flashback, Cosmo informs Angelo that Beatrice had disappeared. When Mia arrives at her mother’s place, she finds Angelo and Cosmo there and starts explaining why she did not believe that her mother could just leave. Beatrice has a heart condition and needs her medication, so according to Mia, she would not have left without the medicines that were needed for her survival, which made the possibility of abduction likely. Mia also reveals that her mother was suspicious of Cosmo, which adds a layer of uncertainty. Soon when his DNA, found through his hair strands and found, evidence adds up against Cosmo.
Is Cosmo the Serial Killer? Why Is He Arrested?
Cosmo becomes a prime suspect when the investigation at his house adds to the suspicions around him. The evidence points in his direction and leads to his arrest. However, Leda comes up as Cosmo’s lawyer, then stages a hostage situation to get Cosmo out of custody, making the entire scene rather confusing.
We further get to know that Beatrice is kidnapped and is under Leda, which becomes as important detail.
Who Is the Serial Killer?
Cosmo discovers Beatrice’s life-saving medication at Leda’s place, which he immediately conveys to Angelo. Meanwhile, Eleonora sends Angelo a voicemail that supports Cosmo’s innocence concerning Antonelli’s death and heads to Leda’s place to convey the same to Cosmo. But soon Leda poisons Eleonora and eventually kidnaps both her and Cosmo. By the time Angelo reaches the location, the situation becomes dangerous as they are gone.
Angelo initially suspects them to have headed to Bomarzo but eventually realises that that is not the place he should look and rethinks his approach before reaching.
We meanwhile get to know that Leda is the serial killer responsible for the murders and for framing Cosmo. Leda had been behind the scenes, staging the crimes and directing suspicion towards Cosmo, with her actions rooted in what she believed happened to their father, Rufo.
For her, Cosmo was responsible for Rufo’s death as because he was going to reveal his dual life, and Cosmo, Rufo was the shot. The belief became the cause of her revenge, and she started killing people while making sure the evidence pointed at Cosmo.
Are Cosmo, Eleonora Saved?
The final confrontation brings Angelo, Cosmo and Leda together, with Leda preparing to attack Cosmo. However, Angelo arrives and intervenes. When Leda aims a shot at Cosmo, Angelo steps in and takes the shot instead. Don’t worry, Angelo survives!
Another development at the end reveals that Cosmo officially becomes a permanent collaborator with the police, which becomes a rather interesting conclusion for his character considering the way it started.
What Does the Ending Mean for ChiaroScuro
At the centre of the series is a crime story about revenge, but the series also drives on the element of humour. There is a particularly uncomfortable connection between Beatrice and Leda. While the former kills Rufo fearing the reveal, the latter stages multiple crimes as revenge for taking away her happiness she believed Cosmo was responsible.
The final reveal is particularly interesting and unsettling, as Leda has a set notion that Cosmo was responsible for his father’s murder because of his existence. The series closes with Cosmo becoming a permanent police consultant, bringing his journey to a full-circle moment and completing the arc itself.
Watch ChiaroScuro on Netflix.
What is your favourite part of the series? Tell us in the comments.
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