But she won’t answer a question many viewers have: What, exactly, is Helly thinking when she looks at Gemma just before she and Mark escape? Does she feel bad for Gemma? Or is she feeling triumphant that Mark chose her?

I can't speak for others but I thought that scene was straightforward. Helly is strong willed, but she isn't going to feel triumphant that Mark chose her. She's going to be glad she doesn't have to go through whatever is next alone. Neither Mark nor Helly have any plan, but whatever it is they're doing it together.

The fact that Helly has someone is in direct contrast to how her outie Helena has no one. Helly is ready to do it alone, because Helena would have to do it alone. She could do it alone, but she doesn't have to.

She will feel a little bad for Gemma, but not in the moment. She will really feel more concern for Mark Scout and how Mark S's decision will affect his relationship with his outie.

[–] bamboo@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 5 days ago

She’s going to be glad she doesn’t have to go through whatever is next alone. Neither Mark nor Helly have any plan, but whatever it is they’re doing it together.

Also that final scene was very similar to the ending of The Graduate, which had the same sort of theme. In both cases, they have no plan and no clue what to do next after running away together.