Evolution

Evolution

Year: 2016

Runtime: 81 min

Language: Hungarian

Director: Lucile Hadzihalilovic

Sci-FiDramaMysteryHorror

In this eerie sci-fi drama, 10-year-old Nicolas' idyllic coastal world is shattered by a gruesome discovery: a boy's corpse with a crimson starfish marking. As he unravels the truth about his isolated community and his own foggy past, Nicolas must confront the sinister forces driving the boys to a mysterious hospital, where their destinies await.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Evolution (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Evolution (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film’s events unfold in an ambiguous time period, not explicitly defined but hinting at contemporary influences. The presence of modern medical practices juxtaposed with primal mystery creates a surreal and unsettling atmosphere.

Location

Coastal village, Hospital, Major city

The story takes place in a secluded coastal village, known for its stark isolation and mysterious occurrences. A local hospital serves as a crucial backdrop, where young boys are subjected to strange medical procedures. The journey culminates in a major city harbor, representing a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the village.

🌊 Coastal 🏥 Hospital 🏙️ Urban

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – Evolution (2016)
Meet the key characters of Evolution (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nicolas

Nicolas is a sickly and curious young boy who embodies innocence and naivety. His experiences of fear and betrayal are catalysts in a profound transformation as he grapples with his identity and seeks the truth about his environment. Nicolas's courage is unveiled as he confronts the mysteries and dangers of the village.

🚸 Child 🧠 Curious 😨 Innocent

Stella

Stella is a nurse who develops a complex relationship with Nicolas, serving as both a caregiver and an enigma. Her actions blur moral lines, combining tenderness with manipulation as she reveals hidden truths. Stella's character amplifies the themes of trust and betrayal, leaving Nicolas and the audience questioning her motives.

👩‍⚕️ Caregiver 🌊 Mysterious 💔 Duality

Victor

Victor is another boy in the village who shares a brief but impactful friendship with Nicolas. His experiences underscore the underlying danger in their surreal environment, and his tragic fate serves as a warning for Nicolas. Victor embodies the loss of childhood innocence amid the sinister realities faced by the boys.

👦 Friend ⚰️ Tragic 😢 Innocent

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – Evolution (2016)
Explore the central themes of Evolution (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦑 Identity

Identity emerges as a central theme as Nicolas struggles with conflicting perceptions of his mother and his own sense of self. The exploration of who the real caregivers are highlights the loss of individuality in a conformist environment. The boys’ experiences reveal the darker side of familial bonds and personal truth.

🌌 Surrealism

The film encapsulates surreal elements through its dreamlike narrative, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The frequent imagery of the sea and the uncanny occurrences create a feeling of otherworldliness, challenging the viewer's comprehension of barriers between life and death. This surrealism heightens the emotional impact of Nicolas's harrowing journey.

🏝️ Isolation

Isolation resonates deeply within the confines of the coastal village and the hospital. Nicolas's sense of abandonment and confinement intensifies as he uncovers the truth about his surroundings. The oppressive atmosphere accentuates the emotional weight of solitude and the desperation for connection.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

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