Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll - Ending Explained

The central revelation of the film is that Isabella York is actually Amy Bartlett, a former street urchin who took in an even younger orphan named Taylor. Amy was an illegitimate child of the York family, who eventually found her and forced her to come live with them, promising that Taylor would be well cared for in an orphanage in exchange. This separation is the source of Isabella's deep-seated sadness. Violet helps Isabella, as Amy, write a letter to Taylor, bridging the years of silence between them. The second half of the film reveals that Taylor has cherished this letter and is inspired to become a postman to deliver happiness as it was delivered to her. Benedict Blue, a postman from the CH Postal Company, becomes Taylor's mentor and eventually helps her deliver a letter she wrote with Violet's help back to Isabella. In a poignant and bittersweet conclusion, Taylor decides not to meet Isabella in person just yet, wanting to first become a full-fledged postman to show her sister that her sacrifice was worthwhile. The film ends with Taylor being adopted by the Evergarden family, finding a new home and a bright future, while the bond between the two sisters remains strong, sustained by the power of their letters.

Some interpretations of the film focus on the subtle yuri (lesbian) undertones in the relationship between Violet and Isabella. Their intense emotional bond, the setting of an all-girls school, and scenes of physical intimacy have led some viewers to see their connection as more than just friendship. Another perspective is to view the film as a critique of classism and societal expectations placed upon women. Isabella is literally and figuratively trapped by her noble status, and her story highlights the sacrifices demanded by a rigid social hierarchy. Taylor's journey can be seen as a subversion of this, as she strives to achieve her dreams through hard work and determination, regardless of her impoverished origins.