Who Is the Killer in 'Sharp Objects'? Theories About Amma

HBO's Sharp Objects, based on the book by Gillian Flynn, has viewers wondering what's really going on in the small town of Wind Gap. Sunday's episode left more questions than answers as Wind Gap tries to find the killer. Speculation has fallen on one of the girl's brothers, though some attention should be given to Amma, the little sister of Camille.

Camille, played by Amy Adams, has a sour relationship with her mother and sister. Her mother, Adora, is an obvious antagonist with a lack of love for Camille. Amma, on the other hand, claims to crave a good relationship with sister Camille, though she doesn't seem to know how to have a good relationship.

There's something eerie about Amma. Here are the reasons she's one to watch.

Amma's Reaction to Camille's article

In Sunday's episode, an article Camille wrote for her St. Louis newspaper surfaced to mixed reactions. Her family, particularly Amma, was shocked at the article's content. In the piece, Camille claimed townsmen and police believe the killer could be one of their own rather than an outsider traveling through, as many citizens of Wind Gap wanted to believe.

Amma's reaction to her sister's article seemed unnecessary, as did her vindictive attempt to share the article with the girl's severely opposing mother.

The Hog Farm

Camille's sighting of Amma at the hog slaughterhouse wasn't the first time it seemed Amma may have a few secrets. What she was doing there, viewers, and Camille, don't know. It seems Amma is unapologetic for her secrets. She appeared entertained that Camille had followed her to the forbidden spot.

Aside from her appearance there, Amma lives a double life. From her outfit changes around her mother to her two cell phones, which Camille accidentally disclosed to her mother on Sunday's episode, viewers can be sure Amma is hiding something. How serious her secrets are, viewers are left to speculate.

GettyImages-1005228990
Eliza Scanlen and Chris Messina of 'Sharp Objects' speak onstage during the HBO portion of the Summer 2018 TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotelon July 25, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. Scanlen's character,... Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

The "Male Killer" and the Woman in White

So far, the town has referred to the killer as a male with no proof that the killer is, in fact, male. The only difference in concept was the reference to the Woman in White which a child saw in the woods before one girl's abduction. Could the killer really be a woman in white?

Amma was shown in the woods wearing all white on Sunday's episode. Could this be foreshadowing?

Amma's Lack of Conscience

Amma seems to have a lack of conscience, especially when it comes to interacting with Camille. From the lollipop Amma stuck to Camille's hair to her obvious, eerie glares, Amma seems to have something against Camille. Still, she always apologizes for her actions. Amma's apologies may be genuine, but there may be a more sinister reasoning behind her actions.

Her Possible Drug Use

Sunday's episode showed Amma with heavily dilated eyes. Her enlarged pupils were just the beginning of her odd behavior. As she performed a skit with her friends, her perspective seemed to be washed out. Sound acted as if Amma was underwater as the wide-eyed teen stared at her sister from the stage.

The festival took place just after Amma found out about Camille's article. Could Amma be coping with her feelings toward the article by using drugs?

To find out, don't miss Sharp Objects when it airs Sundays on HBO at 9 p.m. ET.

Uncommon Knowledge

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more

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