I see your interpretation of the plot and how it works. My problems with it are: 1. if we take your interpretation, then the whole section of the plot involving the mother's book is superfluous... you could take it away and the plot as you describe it would still work. 2. For us (the audience) to be part of the film is just naff I think - or at least for the film to only exist in our minds and not the characters'/ possibly doesnt work... a bit like one of the characters looking down the camera lens and asking the audience a question...