Flipper

Flipper

Year: 1996

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Alan Shapiro

AdventureFamily

A teenage outsider spends the summer in the Florida Keys, forging an unlikely friendship with a dolphin he names Flipper. He also develops a romantic interest in a local girl. Their carefree existence is disrupted when an environmental threat emerges, forcing the young man to confront his personal issues and dedicate himself to safeguarding the fragile marine ecosystem.

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Timeline & Setting – Flipper (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Flipper (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer

Set during a warm coastal summer, the action moves between the fishing boat, the shore, and the dolphin’s ocean realm. The long daylight hours encourage outdoor rescues, boat chases, and close encounters with wildlife. The season amplifies the tension as pollution and danger threaten the local marine life that the town depends on.

Location

Coral Key

Coral Key is a sun-soaked seaside town anchored by its harbor and fishing culture. The film centers on the coast and the dolphin pod that frequents the nearby waters. The town is depicted as a close-knit community where the sea shapes daily life and local conflicts.

🌊 Coastal town 🐬 Marine life hub 🚤 Seaside community

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:05

Main Characters – Flipper (1996)

Meet the key characters of Flipper (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sandy Ricks (Elijah Wood)

A summer visitor to Coral Key who starts out skeptical about the adventures around him but grows into a brave, resourceful ally of Flipper. He is curious, stubborn at times, and ultimately devoted to protecting the dolphin and his friends.

🏖️ Teen 🧭 Adventurous

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:05

Major Themes – Flipper (1996)

Explore the central themes of Flipper (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐬 Animal Bond

The movie centers on a deep bond between humans and Flipper, highlighting how trust and cooperation can transcend species boundaries. Sandy’s friendship with the dolphin motivates him to take risks and protect the pod from danger. The dolphins’ echolocation and intelligence showcase non-human agency at work within a human community.

♻️ Pollution & Conservation

Toxic waste dumping threatens the local ecosystem and the dolphins’ well-being, driving the humans to investigate and intervene. The film presents a clear message about environmental stewardship and the consequences of illegal pollution. Community members mobilize to uncover the wrongdoing and protect the sea they rely on.

🛟 Courage & Teamwork

Sandy, Cathy, and other locals band together to confront threats both natural and man-made, from the shark Scar to the scheming villain. The rescue attempts, daring swims, and coordinated efforts demonstrate the power of teamwork. The story rewards bravery with the safe return of Flipper and the community’s triumph over the villain.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:05

Unlock the Full Story of Flipper

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

Flipper Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Flipper, 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.

Flipper Summary

Flipper Timeline

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

Flipper Timeline

More About Flipper

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

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