Iguana

Iguana

Year: 1988

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Monte Hellman

ThrillerDrama

A grotesquely disfigured harpooner called Iguana is mistreated by his fellow sailors aboard a 19th‑century whaling ship. One night he escapes, fleeing to a remote island where he declares himself ruler and wages a personal war against mankind. Any hapless visitor who washes ashore is forced to endure his cruel and ruthless tyranny in a cruel fashion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Iguana 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 – Iguana (1988)

Trace every key event in Iguana (1988) 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

Oberlus is ridiculed and abused on the whaling ship

Oberlus endures daily humiliation from the other sailors because of his deformed right side of the face. The abuse fuels a growing sense of isolation and anger. The harsh environment foreshadows the brutality he will source later.

early 19th century Whaling ship
2

Oberlus escapes to Hood Island after a brutal beating

After a brutal beating, Oberlus escapes to the uninhabited Hood Island, seeking refuge from his tormentors. He hides in a cave, nursing his wounds and plotting a return. His nickname Iguana references his grotesque facial growth.

Night of escape Hood Island
3

Gamboa's crew discover and torture Oberlus; he escapes

A team led by Captain Gamboa discovers Oberlus on Hood Island and tortures him, tying him up for further punishment. Oberlus manages to escape from the brutish display and disappears into the island’s caves. The encounter sets up his vow of revenge.

Shortly after capture Hood Island
4

Sebastian is punished for letting Oberlus escape

Gamboa punishes Sebastian by tying him to a post on the coast as a reminder of his failure. Oberlus later finds Sebastian and asserts control, reshaping him into a servant. The island becomes a prison for those left behind after the ship leaves.

After escape Coast of Hood Island
5

Oberlus proclaims himself King of Hood Island; Sebastian becomes his first slave

Accounting power over the desolate island, Oberlus declares himself king and makes Sebastian his first slave, forcing him to cook and serve him. The act solidifies his transition from victim to tyrant. The island becomes a personal domain under his brutal authority.

Some time after escape Hood Island
6

Oberlus enslaves two more sailors washed ashore

Oberlus extends his tyranny by enslaving two other sailors who wash ashore after a shipwreck. They are kept in the cave with a disguised entrance, hidden from any potential rescuer. His reign of terror deepens as the captives suffer under his rule.

Later Hood Island cave
7

Carmen and Diego are captured aboard a ship near Hood Island

A ship carrying Carmen and her fiancé Diego moors near the island and Oberlus seizes them as captives. Carmen resists, but Oberlus extracts his control over her and Diego's fate is sealed. The ship captain, assuming they perished in the storm, sails away without searching.

Following arrival near island Near Hood Island
8

Oberlus kills Diego and abducts Carmen; Carmen becomes his concubine

Oberlus kills Diego and claims Carmen as his concubine, deepening the power imbalance and cruelty. Carmen's pregnancy contradicts their initial captivity, adding a new layer of consequences. The ship’s captain abandons them to their grim fate.

Soon after capture Hood Island
9

Oberlus boards the original whaling ship at night; kills two sailors, captures Gamboa, and sets the ship ablaze

Under cover of darkness, Oberlus reappears on the ship, murders two sailors on deck, and takes Gamboa prisoner. He locks the hull and sets the vessel on fire, turning the ship into a death trap. The burning ship becomes a stage for his vengeance.

Night after capture Onboard the ship
10

Gamboa dies in struggle with Oberlus

Gamboa confronts Oberlus in a brutal fight but is killed by Oberlus, sealing his personal vengeance. The fiery chaos of the ship suffocates any chance of rescue. Carmen, pregnant, watches as the violence escalates.

During the confrontation On the burning ship
11

Carmen reveals she is pregnant; months later, the ship's captain returns

Carmen tells Oberlus that she is pregnant, a child he intends to deny and control. Months later, the captain of the original ship returns with armed sailors to search for Carmen and Diego. The survivors fear exposure and the island becomes a battleground again.

Months later Hood Island
12

Oberlus flees with Carmen and survivors to the far end of the island; plan to sail away

With the search intensifying, Oberlus gathers the surviving prisoners and retreats to the other end of Hood Island, plotting an escape by sea with Carmen. He fears capture and the possibility of his child being harmed by the world. The group hides, waiting for a chance to flee.

Months later Hood Island
13

Carmen gives birth; Oberlus abducts the newborn

Carmen gives birth to Oberlus’s child, a momentary fragile hope that is crushed when he seizes the infant. He refuses to let the child suffer the same fate he endured. The act cements his pariah status and escalates the final reckoning.

Birth moment Hood Island
14

Oberlus and the infant head toward the sea; intention to drown themselves

Carrying the newborn, Oberlus steps into the sea with the baby, intending to drown both of them. The act frames the ultimate escape from the island’s tyranny as a mutual destruction. The end suggests a grim closure to the tyrant’s reign.

On the sea after birth Sea (off Hood Island coast)

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:35

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Iguana

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

Iguana Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Iguana, 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.

Iguana Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Iguana

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Iguana

More About Iguana

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