Bubble

Bubble

Year: 2006

Runtime: 73 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Budget: $1.6M

DramaMysteryCrime

A disturbing murder in a decaying industrial town disrupts the lives of three factory workers, pulling them into a complex investigation. As the police delve deeper, long-held secrets and troubling histories are exposed, threatening to unravel the fragile sense of security they've managed to maintain. Each person is forced to confront their own hidden pasts while navigating the escalating danger surrounding them.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Bubble 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 – Bubble (2006)

Trace every key event in Bubble (2006) 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

Martha's routine in town

Martha, a middle-aged single woman, works at a doll factory and cares for her elderly father. She leads a quiet, routine life in a town near the Ohio River. This daily rhythm sets the baseline for the story and Martha's sense of isolation.

Doll factory, town near Ohio River
2

Martha and Kyle's daily drive

Martha regularly drives Kyle to and from work, treating him with care and calling him her 'best friend'. Kyle is shy and socially anxious, living with his TV-obsessed mother. The bond between them hints at Martha's longing for companionship.

On the road between home and work
3

Rose joins the factory

The doll factory hires Rose, a young single mother, as Kyle's coworker. Kyle and Rose become mutually attracted and start spending breaks together. Martha watches with chagrin as Rose pushes aside her role in Kyle's life.

Doll factory
4

Rose's second job and suspicious behavior

Martha reluctantly agrees to drive Rose to her second job as a housekeeper for a wealthy client. Rose uses the client's absence to take a long bath in the Jacuzzi and tries to spin a stolen watch as a gift. This raises Martha's suspicions about Rose's integrity.

Wealthy client's house
5

Babysitting and jealousy

To earn extra money, Martha agrees to babysit Rose while Rose goes on a date. Kyle unexpectedly arrives to pick Rose up, revealing that their date is with him. Martha is upset to be sidelined again by Rose.

Rose's home
6

The date and the theft

During their date, Rose and Kyle go to Kyle's house where Rose, unbeknownst to him, steals money Kyle has saved. Kyle senses something is off but doesn't confront Rose. The moment ends with Rose leaving with the money.

Kyle's house
7

Jake's confrontation

When Rose returns to drop off Kyle, her ex-boyfriend Jake appears and accuses Rose of stealing money and marijuana from his home. A heated argument erupts in front of Martha. After Jake leaves, Martha questions Rose about Jake and she dismisses it.

soon after the date Rose's home
8

Rose's murder discovered

The next morning, neighbors report a crying child and police discover Rose dead of apparent strangulation with no sign of forced entry. A detective interviews Jake and Kyle, who both claim ignorance about the murder. The case shifts toward the people in Rose's circle as suspicion grows.

morning after the murder Rose's house
9

Martha's financial scramble

Martha pawns jewelry she says is inherited and spends the money on fishing equipment and a trip to the beauty parlor. She later gives the fishing gear to Kyle, who mentions Rose's murder. The detective reveals that the fingerprints found on Rose's neck match Martha, leading to her arrest.

Pawn shop and later police station
10

Kyle visits Martha in prison

Kyle visits Martha in prison and she pleads her innocence, insisting she did not murder Rose and blaming a headache and Rose's rudeness. Kyle remains skeptical of her story as she begs for his help. The scene underscores the strain on their relationship.

Prison
11

Martha's jail cell vision

In her jail cell, Martha experiences a vision: a bright light followed by the image of Rose's dead body and herself standing over Rose. The surreal moment hints at Martha's possible guilt or psychological distress. Kyle's perspective and the truth remain unresolved.

Prison cell
12

Aftermath and a new normal

Kyle's mother takes Rose's job at the doll factory, restoring Kyle's mundane routine. The town continues with life as the mystery of Rose's murder lingers. The film ends with Kyle moving forward while the haunting event remains unresolved.

Doll factory

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:58

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Bubble Summary

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Bubble Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Bubble

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Bubble

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