Year: 1999
Runtime: 126 min
Language: English
Director: John Sayles
Budget: $10M
Haunted by a troubled past, Joe Gastineau's life takes an unexpected turn when Donna de Angelo and her daughter disrupt his isolated existence. A chance meeting on a cruise along Alaska's stunning coastline leads them into a complex and dangerous journey. As they confront personal demons and navigate a web of emotions, their bond is tested, forcing them to face the darkness within themselves and the world around them.
Get a spoiler-free look at Limbo (1999) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the remote reaches of coastal Alaska, a town once defined by canning and paper mills is slowly reshaping itself around the promise of tourism. The stark, wind‑swept landscapes and the quiet hum of a resort hotel give the region an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and unforgiving, a place where isolation is as palpable as the frigid sea.
Joe Gastineau lives on the edge of this world, a former high‑school basketball star turned practical handyman. Haunted by a tragic accident that still echoes in his thoughts, he has crafted a solitary routine that keeps his past at a distance. His days are spent repairing the hotel’s aging infrastructure, his evenings marked by the low‑key rhythm of a life that prefers simplicity over complication.
When Donna de Angelo arrives—her voice a lingering echo of lounge‑singer glamour—and brings along her teenage daughter Noelle De Angelo, the fragile balance of Joe’s existence begins to shift. A chance encounter on a cruise that threads the stunning Alaskan coastline introduces a new, unpredictable energy. Donna’s magnetic presence and Noelle’s quiet determination create a subtle tension that both challenges and awakens Joe, drawing him into a web of emotions he has long kept at bay.
Together they stand on the brink of a journey that promises more than scenic vistas. As personal demons stir beneath the surface, the trio must navigate the stark beauty of their surroundings while confronting the darker currents within themselves. The film’s tone—a blend of rugged wilderness, lingering melancholy, and tentative hope—invites the audience to wonder what will surface when three disparate lives intersect in a place where the line between survival and surrender is as thin as the morning mist.
Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:30
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Read a complete plot summary of Limbo, 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.
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