-->
Year: 2019
Runtime: 104 min
Language: Wolof
Director: Mati Diop
As Ada's arranged marriage looms, she's forced to confront the ache of losing her one true love, who vanished while attempting to migrate across the waters. But fate has other plans, and their reconnection becomes a beacon of hope in a world where love knows no bounds.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Atlantics 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!
In a vibrant suburb of Dakar, positioned along the picturesque Atlantic coastline, the anticipation of a new era looms as a futuristic tower is set for its grand unveiling. However, the construction workers, who tirelessly labored on this monumental project, find themselves in a dire predicament as they have not received their wages for months. Frustrated and desperate, they devise a plan one fateful night to escape their hardships by heading to Spain via the sea, in search of a hopeful future. Among these brave souls is Souleiman, the devoted lover of Ada. Yet, tragedy ensues as Ada is already bound to another through an arranged marriage to the wealthy Omar.
As the days inch closer to her wedding, Ada is engulfed in worry concerning Souleiman’s destiny, anxiously awaiting news of his well-being. On what should be the happiest day of her life, disaster strikes: Omar’s bed unexpectedly ignites in flames during what appears to be an arson attack. This shocking event prompts the allocation of a young detective, whose job it is to delve into the intricate mystery surrounding the incident.
In the aftermath, Ada finds herself embroiled in suspicion, subjected to relentless interrogations and a virginity test that compound her distress. Simultaneously, Fanta, a close friend, along with the young detective, begins to exhibit strange symptoms linked to an inexplicable illness. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that something more sinister is occurring; the spirits of the men who perished at sea have returned, seeking revenge for their lost wages by possessing the inhabitants of Dakar each night. Their primary target? The affluent tycoon who denied them their hard-earned pay—a man whose actions forced them into the treacherous waters of the Atlantic. They threaten the destruction of the towering monument unless their grievances are addressed.
Ultimately, the now-possessed tycoon finds himself coerced into digging their graves as a means of granting peace to the vengeful spirits, but amid this chaos, Souleiman’s yearning is singular— to reunite with Ada. Unfortunately, he now inhabits the body of the young detective, inducing fear in Ada initially. However, as she confronts and interacts with the returning spirits, including Fanta who has also become a vessel for one of the souls, she gradually begins to empathize with their plight, leading to a poignant, final night together with the new Souleiman.
In an intense twist, while reviewing footage from the unsettling wedding, the detective unveils the startling truth—under the influence of Souleiman’s spirit, he inadvertently set the fire. With this revelation, he resolves the mystery and lays the spirit’s restless soul to rest.
This gripping narrative intertwines themes of love, loss, and the struggle for justice, showcasing the poignant experiences of its characters as they navigate the challenging waters of both the living and the spirit world in their pursuit of peace and closure.
Last Updated: December 13, 2024 at 06:47
Atlantics (2019) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Atlantics (2019) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Atlantics – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Atlantis (2021) Movie Recap & Themes
Undine (2021) Full Summary & Key Details
Attenberg (2012) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Delta (2010) Movie Recap & Themes
Atlantide (2022) Complete Plot Breakdown
Ondine (2010) Story Summary & Characters
Aloft (2015) Full Movie Breakdown
Mayday (2021) Full Summary & Key Details
ATL (2006) Full Summary & Key Details
Albatross (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Adrift (2018) Movie Recap & Themes
The Mermaid (2016) Story Summary & Characters
The Almond and the Seahorse (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
Beyond the Ocean (2002) Complete Plot Breakdown
Crossing (2024) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap