Aquarium of the Dead

Aquarium of the Dead

Year: 2021

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Glenn Miller

Echo Score: 38
ActionComedyHorror

We’ve fallen to the bottom of the food chain A scientific mishap causes the species of an aquarium to become zombies.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Aquarium of the Dead yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Aquarium of the Dead (2021)

Trace every key event in Aquarium of the Dead (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Octopus tagging goes wrong

At the Shining Sea Aquarium, Dr. Karen James and two workers attempt to tag the octopus. The creature goes into cardiac arrest during the procedure and seemingly dies, then reanimates and attacks Karen. It kills the two workers and escapes into the ducts.

Shining Sea Aquarium
2

Eden Wildlife Zoo epinephrine warning

Miranda Riley receives a transmission from Eden Wildlife Zoo warning to dispose of any epinephrine at the aquarium. The directive creates tension as staff debate how to handle potentially dangerous supplies. The warning hints at a larger risk behind the outbreak.

Shining Sea Aquarium – Miranda's lab
3

Daniel claims disposal done; Skylar VIP visit begins

Daniel Hanley assures Miranda that he disposed of the epinephrine before leaving for a VIP tour with Skylar. He intends to guide Skylar around the aquarium, but his actions are already questionable. The scene sets up later revelations about his true motives.

Shining Sea Aquarium
4

Senator Blackburn arrives; octopus breach announced

Miranda meets with Senator Bailey Blackburn, who is trying to secure more funds for the facility. They are interrupted by Karen's warning about the octopus. The group alerts security chief Eddie 'Clu' Cluwirth to the breach.

Shining Sea Aquarium
5

Contaminated slime infects animals; lockdown begins

Contaminated slime from the octopus infects the aquarium's other animals, causing tanks to shatter as they panic and escape. The staff and visitors seek shelter as lockdown protocols activate. The chaos marks the start of a deadly outbreak.

Shining Sea Aquarium
6

Daniel and Skylar attempt to re-enter; zombies crabs attack

Daniel and Skylar attempt to re-enter the building after escaping outside. They are attacked by zombified spider crabs but manage to slip back inside. The attack underscores the rapid spread and danger within the aquarium.

Exterior of Shining Sea Aquarium
7

Group searches for safety; Skylar dies after walrus attack

Miranda's group ventures out of the theater to reset power and lift the lockdown. They encounter Daniel and Skylar again, along with zombified crocodiles and walruses. Skylar loses his nerve and is killed when the walrus attacks him.

Shining Sea Aquarium
8

Learning the undead animals are blind; using sound

Karen realizes the reanimated animals are blind and navigate by sound. She cleverly uses her mobile phone to distract the walrus and steer it away from the group. The discovery changes how they plan their movements through the ruined facility.

Shining Sea Aquarium – vicinity of Walrus habitat
9

Beth succumbs to the starfish attached to her

The team discovers a starfish attached to Beth's abdomen, which had slipped into her notebook earlier. They cannot detach the creature, and Beth dies as it feeds on her. The moment marks a grim turn in the escape.

Shining Sea Aquarium
10

Through the shark habitat to the basement; confrontation with the octopus

The group traverses a shark habitat and finally reaches the basement, where they confront the enraged octopus. Clu sacrifices herself in a failed attempt to kill the creature. Miranda steps up to reset the power.

Shining Sea Aquarium – shark habitat and basement
11

Electrocution and lockdown lift

Miranda uses a stray power cable to fatally electrocute the octopus, ending its threat. The power reset lifts the lockdown and allows the group to escape. The immediate danger subsides, but the costs are evident.

Shining Sea Aquarium – basement
12

Shocking truth about the outbreak revealed

In the aftermath, it is revealed that Daniel conspired with Blackburn to cut costs and did not dispose of the epinephrine as claimed. The epinephrine's presence fueled the octopus outbreak. Miranda confronts Daniel, punching him and leaving with Karen.

Shining Sea Aquarium

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:24

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Aquarium of the Dead Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Aquarium of the Dead

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