Love, Rosie - Ending Explained

The film concludes with a series of revelations: at Alex's wedding to Bethany, a conversation between Rosie's daughter and her best friend mirrors Rosie and Alex's own past, leading Alex to realize that Rosie never actually wanted to 'forget' their 18th birthday kiss. He realizes he spent years misinterpreting her desire for friendship. After Alex's marriage inevitably fails, Rosie uses an inheritance from her father to open her dream hotel. The final scene shows Alex arriving at the hotel as her second guest, where they finally share a kiss that isn't a mistake or a secret, signifying that they have finally moved past the 'wrong timing' and are ready to begin their life together as equals.

While typically seen as a fairytale romance, some critics interpret the film as a cautionary tale about the dangers of passivity. In this reading, Rosie and Alex aren't victims of fate, but victims of their own lack of agency; their suffering is a direct result of choosing safety over vulnerability. Another perspective suggests the film is less about romance and more about Rosie's journey to independence, where Alex’s return is merely a 'bonus' once she has finally built her own life and business without needing a man to save her.