Leviathan

Leviathan

Year: 1989

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Russian

Director: George P. Cosmatos

AdventureSci-FiMysteryThrillerHorror

A team of deep-sea miners, led by oceanographer Steven Beck, investigates the wreckage of a sunken Soviet freighter. While exploring the ruins, they discover a horrifying secret—a monstrous creature born from a disastrous genetic experiment. The team must now fight for survival against the terrifying being and confront the dark legacy of the sunken ship, all while facing the crushing pressures of the deep ocean.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Leviathan (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Leviathan (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Dystopian future

The film is set in a dystopian future characterized by corporate greed and hazardous working conditions. During this period, technological advancements have outpaced safety protocols, leading to dire consequences for workers in unforgiving environments like the ocean floor. This setting amplifies the themes of survival and moral ambiguity faced by the crew.

Location

Atlantic Ocean, Russian cargo ship Leviathan, Baltic Sea

The movie takes place primarily in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, where a group of undersea miners operate a facility. Central to the plot is the wreck of the Russian cargo ship, Leviathan, which holds dark secrets. The Baltic Sea is also mentioned, linking the ship's last known position to the unfolding terror.

🌊 Ocean 🚢 Wreck 🏴‍☠️ Ship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Main Characters – Leviathan (1989)

Meet the key characters of Leviathan (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steven Beck (Peter Weller)

Beck is a skilled geologist tasked with overseeing the mining operation. He is portrayed as a strong leader, capable of making tough decisions under pressure. His determination to protect his crew is tested as they face horrifying circumstances, revealing his resourcefulness and resilience.

👨‍🚀 Leader 🧑‍🔬 Scientist 💪 Strong

Miss Martin (Meg Foster)

Miss Martin serves as the corporate overseer of the mining operation, embodying cold calculation and bureaucratic indifference. She prioritizes corporate interests over crew safety, showcasing a ruthless side of corporate governance. Her insincere demeanor contributes to the tension and mistrust among the crew.

👩‍💼 Corporate 🥀 Manipulative 🧊 Cold

Dr. Glen 'Doc' Thompson (Richard Crenna)

As the local physician, Dr. Thompson strives to keep the crew healthy but is confronted with the unfolding disaster. His character reflects a moral compass, often torn between his duty and the grim realities faced by his companions. He becomes instrumental in attempting to understand the mysterious afflictions they encounter.

🧑‍⚕️ Physician 🤔 Rational 👨‍🔬 Analytical

Elizabeth 'Willie' Williams (Amanda Pays)

Willie is a resilient female miner, demonstrating strength and resourcefulness throughout the ordeal. She plays a crucial role in the discovery of the Leviathan's secrets and ultimately becomes a victim of the horror. Her character signifies the emotional and physical stakes for those involved in the mission.

👩‍🔧 Miner 💪 Resilient ⚠️ Brave

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Major Themes – Leviathan (1989)

Explore the central themes of Leviathan (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧟‍♂️ Survival Horror

The film explores the theme of survival horror as the crew grapples with a deadly infection stemming from genetic experimentation. The horrifying transformation of crew members into monstrous entities escalates the fear and desperation among the survivors. Their battle against both the creature and the elements underscores the fragility of human life in extreme conditions.

🧪 Genetic Experimentation

A chilling theme arises from the discovery that the Leviathan was involved in genetic experimentation, which leads to tragic outcomes. The tainted vodka symbolizes the hidden dangers that lurk within the scientific advances of the time. This theme raises questions about ethics in science, particularly regarding the consequences of manipulating nature.

💔 Despair

Despair manifests significantly when key characters succumb to hopelessness in the face of insurmountable odds. The film depicts the psychological toll of isolation and fear as crew members confront their grim reality, culminating in tragic choices. This theme resonates deeply as it highlights the emotional struggle amidst physical peril.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:22

Unlock the Full Story of Leviathan

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

Leviathan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Leviathan, 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.

Leviathan Summary

Leviathan Timeline

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

Leviathan Timeline

More About Leviathan

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

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