A Bigger Splash

A Bigger Splash

Year: 2016

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: Luca Guadagnino

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A couple’s peaceful vacation on the Italian island of Pantelleria is shattered by the unexpected arrival of an old friend and his captivating daughter. The intrusion sparks a complex web of jealousy, unspoken desires, and dangerous secrets, threatening to unravel the fragile harmony of their lives and exposing hidden tensions within their relationship. The idyllic setting quickly transforms into a scene of rivalry and peril.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – A Bigger Splash (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Bigger Splash (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, evident by the characters' modern struggles and lifestyles. Themes of recovery and interpersonal complexities mirror current societal issues. The setting underscores the timeless nature of love, jealousy, and personal redemption.

Location

Pantelleria, Italy

Pantelleria is a picturesque Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea, famous for its volcanic landscapes and unique dammusi, traditional stone houses. The island's isolation provides a serene backdrop for the events in the film, showcasing both beauty and tension. It is known for its rich history and as a vacation spot for celebrities seeking privacy.

🏝️ Island 🇮🇹 Italy 🏡 Villa

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Main Characters – A Bigger Splash (2016)

Meet the key characters of A Bigger Splash (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marianne Lane (Tilda Swinton)

Marianne is a once-renowned rock singer, grappling with the loss of her voice after surgery. Her character embodies vulnerability and strength as she navigates her relationships with Paul and Harry. Marianne’s deep emotional struggles are compounded by her complex history with love and fame.

🎤 Musician 💔 Lover 🎶 Star

Paul De Smedt (Matthias Schoenaerts)

Paul is a filmmaker recovering from alcohol addiction and a suicide attempt, which shapes his introspective and fragile nature. His protective instincts toward Marianne are challenged by his jealousy and insecurities, leading to a tragic turn of events. His internal conflict and emotional burden are central to the narrative.

🎥 Filmmaker 🌌 Troubled Soul ❤️ Investor

Harry Hawkes (Ralph Fiennes)

Harry is an extroverted music producer and former lover of Marianne, characterized by his charismatic yet arrogant demeanor. His presence disrupts the fragile dynamics between Paul and Marianne, igniting conflicting passions and ultimately leading to tragedy. Harry's larger-than-life personality masks deep insecurities.

🎶 Producer 👨‍🎤 Charismatic ✨ Star

Penelope 'Pen' Lanier (Dakota Johnson)

Pen is the seemingly naive daughter of Harry, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. Her flirtation with Paul adds layers of complexity, revealing her underlying intentions. Despite her outward appearance, Pen harbors a more profound understanding of the adult dynamics at play.

💃 Young Adult 😏 Flirtatious 🌪️ Intriguer

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Major Themes – A Bigger Splash (2016)

Explore the central themes of A Bigger Splash (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎤 Music & Fame

Music plays a central role in the film, reflecting the struggles of fame and personal identity. Marianne, a rock singer, grapples with the pressures of her stardom while facing challenges in her personal life. The juxtaposition of her vocal silence due to surgery emphasizes a deeper exploration of self-expression and the impact of celebrity status.

💔 Love & Betrayal

The film delves into complicated relationships marked by past loves and current loyalties. Marianne's entanglement with both Paul and Harry explores conflicting emotions and the tension between desire and commitment. The theme of betrayal is palpable as characters navigate their feelings and actions lead to tragic consequences.

🩸 Consequences

The darker undertones of the film address the consequences of impulsive actions. Paul's accidental drowning of Harry serves as a grim reminder of how passion can turn tragic. This theme extends to the characters' journeys of self-discovery and the inevitable fallout that follows their decisions.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Unlock the Full Story of A Bigger Splash

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Bigger Splash in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Bigger Splash is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Bigger Splash Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Bigger Splash, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Bigger Splash Summary

A Bigger Splash Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Bigger Splash with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Bigger Splash Timeline

More About A Bigger Splash

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Bigger Splash: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Bigger Splash

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