Lady in the Water

Lady in the Water

Year: 2006

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

MysteryThrillerFantasy

Cleveland Heep, a lonely apartment superintendent, finds his life unexpectedly changed when a young woman mysteriously appears in the building's pool. He soon learns she is a "Spritz," a guardian from a fantastical realm, and she needs his help to return home. As he investigates her origins, he uncovers a world of wonder and danger, facing perilous forces determined to capture her and prevent her return.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lady in the Water 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 & Setting – Lady in the Water (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lady in the Water (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, likely in the early 2000s given the elements presented. This time period allows for a blend of modern life and mythical storytelling, as Cleveland navigates both the real world and the peculiar narrative surrounding Story.

Location

Apartment Complex, Pool

The movie primarily takes place in an apartment complex where Cleveland Heep serves as the maintenance man. The complex features a pool that serves as a mysterious backdrop for the events that unfold. It is a typical residential setting but becomes a stage for fantasy and unexpected encounters.

🏢 Apartment 🌊 Pool

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Main Characters – Lady in the Water (2006)

Meet the key characters of Lady in the Water (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti)

Cleveland Heep is a maintenance man battling his own personal demons while caring for the needs of his tenants. He starts as a reclusive figure but gradually becomes a protective and courageous character as he learns about Story's predicament. His growth represents the struggle to overcome isolation and embrace community.

🏢 Caretaker 🌱 Growth 💔 Isolation

Story (Bryce Dallas Howard)

Story is a mysterious, ethereal young woman who embodies hope and possibility. She communicates through select gestures, hinting at her significant role in a larger narrative. Her character represents vulnerability but also the potential for greatness, directly impacting Cleveland's journey.

🧚‍♀️ Mythical 💖 Hope 🌟 Destiny

Young-Soon Choi (Cindy Cheung)

Young-Soon Choi is a tenant who provides Cleveland with insight into the myth of the Narf from her childhood. Her character embodies a sense of nostalgia and cultural connection to the past. She serves as a bridge between the modern world and the folklore that Cleveland seeks to understand.

🌏 Cultural 📜 Storyteller 🌈 Connection

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Major Themes – Lady in the Water (2006)

Explore the central themes of Lady in the Water (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📖 Folklore

The theme of folklore is central to the narrative as Cleveland learns about the mysterious Narf and the stories tied to her existence. This theme emphasizes the importance of storytelling and how cultural legends shape perceptions of reality. The intertwining of myth and daily life serves to highlight the magic that can be found in ordinary circumstances.

🦸‍♂️ Heroism

Cleveland's journey reflects the theme of heroism as he steps out of his own isolation to protect Story from the lurking dangers. His evolution from a passive caretaker to an active protector illustrates the significance of courage in the face of adversity. This theme is reinforced by the relationships he builds with his tenants, uniting them for a common purpose.

🌌 Transformation

Transformation serves as a key theme, particularly in Cleveland's character development. Throughout the movie, he evolves from a withdrawn individual into someone who embraces connection and possibility. Story’s presence acts as a catalyst for this transformation, reminding him of the vibrancy of life beyond his self-imposed limits.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:42

Unlock the Full Story of Lady in the Water

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

Lady in the Water Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lady in the Water, 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.

Lady in the Water Summary

Lady in the Water Timeline

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

Lady in the Water Timeline

More About Lady in the Water

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lady in the Water: 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 Lady in the Water

Similar Movies to Lady in the Water

Discover movies like Lady in the Water that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.