Cocoon

Cocoon

Year: 1985

Runtime: 117 min

Language: German

Director: Ron Howard

Sci-Fi

While searching for lost golf balls, a group of retirees in Florida stumble upon a hidden, otherworldly sanctuary. Inside a deserted vacation home, they find a pool emanating a mysterious energy that restores youth and vitality to those who immerse themselves in its waters. As they experience a miraculous return to health and renewed joy, they must protect the sanctuary from those who would exploit its power and uncover the origins of its benevolent visitors.

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Timeline & Setting – Cocoon (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cocoon (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present-day Earth with an ancient backstory

The main action unfolds in contemporary times within a suburban home and retirement community, with the pool as a focal point. A prologue reveals Atlantis and the Antareans' outpost from 10,000 years ago, shaping the motivations of the characters. The story alternates between the current events and this long-ago history to drive the plot.

Location

Earth, Atlantis, Manta III, Retirement Home, Suburban House with Pool, Ocean

Most events unfold on Earth, centered around a suburban house with a pool and its neighboring retirement home. The sea and the Manta III voyage provide the stage for the mission to return the cocoons. Atlantis serves as the ancient origin of the Antareans' outpost and their 10,000-year backstory.

🏡 Suburban 🌊 Ocean 🚤 Sea voyage 🏖️ Beachside setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:02

Main Characters – Cocoon (1985)

Meet the key characters of Cocoon (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack (Steve Guttenberg)

A practical boat captain who becomes entangled with the Antarean mission. He proves to be curious and resourceful, eventually choosing to help the aliens and forming a bond with Kitty.

🗺️ Captain 🤝 Loyal ally

Kitty (Gwen Verdon)

An Antarean operative disguised as a human woman who partners with Jack. She shares life-force energy to power the healing and navigates human emotions while carrying out her mission.

👽 Alien 💞 Love interest

Ben (Wilford Brimley)

One of the retirement home residents who rejuvenates after using the pool. His renewed vitality helps him confront the consequences of invading the cocoon secret.

👴 Elder 🌀 Rejuvenated

Arthur (Don Ameche)

A wise, older resident who becomes involved with the Antarean plan. He represents curiosity and moral reflection within the group of retirees.

🧪 Scientist 🕊 Compassionate

Joe (Hume Cronyn)

Another retiree drawn into the pool's mystery. His initial curiosity leads to the discovery of the cocoons and the danger of revealing the secret.

👨 Friend 🕵️ Suspicious

Mary (Jessica Tandy)

Ben's wife whose life is influenced by the pool's extraordinary effects. She becomes a key observer of the changes around the house and pool.

👩 Wife 🕊 Caring

Rose (Maureen Stapleton)

A resident whose health and fate are tied to the pool's energy. Her presence emphasizes the community stakes and the costs of the rejuvenation quest.

👵 Elder 🧵 Social

Bernie (Jack Gilford)

A friend among the retirees who inadvertently reveals the pool's secret. His actions catalyze the ensuing conflict and its consequences.

🧓 Elder 🧬 Reckless curiosity

Walter

The Antarean leader orchestrating the mission from behind the human personas and ensuring the cocoons' return to the sea.

🛡 Antarean leader 🎭 Disguised

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:02

Major Themes – Cocoon (1985)

Explore the central themes of Cocoon (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌊 Immortality

The pursuit of life extension through life-force energy drives the plot. The Antareans and humans alike experiment with rejuvenation, blurring lines between help and harm. The film questions the true cost of living forever when it drains others' vitality.

🤝 Alliance

Humans and aliens form an uneasy partnership to achieve a shared goal. Trust is tested as secrets threaten exposure, yet cooperation enables the plan to recover and return the cocoons. The relationships forged under pressure reveal loyalty and sacrifice.

⏳ Aging

Aging is both a condition and a temptation, embodied by the retirement-home residents who seek youth through the pool. The story explores how time reshapes identity, community, and moral choices. The consequences of rapid renewal force characters to confront what aging really means.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:02

Unlock the Full Story of Cocoon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cocoon 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 Cocoon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cocoon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cocoon, 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.

Cocoon Summary

Cocoon Timeline

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

Cocoon Timeline

More About Cocoon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cocoon: 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 Cocoon

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