Bliss

Bliss

Year: 2021

Language: English

Director: Mike Cahill

Sci-FiDrama

A disillusioned man, Greg, finds connection and apparent understanding with Isabel, who suggests their perceived reality is a flawed simulation. As their relationship deepens, they explore the possibility of a manufactured existence, questioning everything they thought they knew. Their journey is set against a dystopian world, further complicating their search for truth and blurring the lines between what's real and imagined, leading to profound changes in their perspectives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Bliss (2021)

Trace every key event in Bliss (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

Greg's Daydreams

Greg Wittle, played by Owen Wilson, often escapes into daydreams during work hours. This tendency to zone out leads to a series of unfortunate events that begins to unravel his professional and personal life.

Office
2

Getting Fired

After a series of mishaps and a vivid hallucination of murdering his boss, Bjorn, portrayed by Steve Zissis, Greg is fired from his job. This pivotal moment signifies the breakdown of his once-stable life.

Office
3

The Bar Encounter

Desperately trying to cope with his recent firing, Greg seeks solace in a nearby bar. It is here that he meets Isabel, a mysterious homeless woman played by Salma Hayek, who has an uncanny awareness of his troubles.

Bar
4

Isabel's Warning

During their conversation, Isabel advises Greg to stay out of sight from the police and manipulates him into distancing himself from his family. Her unsettling influence begins to shape Greg's reality.

5

Selling Possessions

In a moment of desperation, Isabel starts selling off Greg's belongings. This act symbolizes Greg's further descent into chaos and his growing detachment from his former life.

6

Mind Tricks and Telekinesis

Isabel introduces Greg to peculiar mind tricks, which include the ability to manipulate fire. This newfound power begins to blur the lines of reality for Greg, immersing him deeper into Isabel's world.

Makeshift shelter
7

The Yellow Crystal

Intrigued by Greg's artistic visions, Isabel offers him a yellow crystal that heightens his imagination. This substance prompts him to explore uncharted territories of his perception, leading to vivid hallucinations.

8

Chaos at the Roller Rink

Greg and Isabel take their imagination to a roller rink, where they comically enact a scenario to trip a bully. The fun is short-lived, as the police arrive, resulting in Greg’s unexpected arrest.

Roller Rink
9

Emily's Search for Greg

Meanwhile, Greg's daughter, Emily, portrayed by Nesta Cooper, embarks on a quest to find him. In her pursuit, she leaves him a voicemail with her phone number, hoping to reconnect with her father.

10

Contacting Emily

Waking up in Isabel's tent, Greg discovers artwork that reflects his and Isabel’s shared dreams. He attempts to call Emily using the number she left but only reaches her voicemail, deepening his feelings of isolation.

Isabel's Tent
11

Isabel's Fury

When Isabel realizes Greg's desire to contact Emily, she becomes furious and claims that Emily isn’t real. This defensive reaction highlights Isabel's tenuous grip on the reality they are creating together.

12

The Blue Crystals

Isabel reveals her plan to use special blue crystals to break free from their imagined reality. The quest for ten crystals each initiates a chaotic series of events that push the boundaries of their shared existence.

13

Awakening in the Laboratory

Greg suddenly awakens in a laboratory setting, discovering it is a simulation called ‘Brain Box’. Isabel explains how this project explores alternate realities and the psychological effects caused by them.

Laboratory
14

The Gala of the Brain Box

At a glamorous gala celebrating the Brain Box, Greg encounters a vision of Emily. This powerful moment forces him to confront his desires and makes him question the life he has chosen within the simulation.

Gala
15

The Ultimate Choice

As tension escalates following a tragic incident where Kendo is shot, Greg has to make a heart-wrenching decision to ensure Emily's safety. His selflessness reflects his growth and the realization of his love for his daughter.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 15:04

Unlock the Full Story of Bliss

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Bliss Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Bliss, 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.

Bliss Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bliss

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Bliss. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bliss

More About Bliss

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More About Bliss

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