Year: 1977
Runtime: 92 min
Language: Persian
Director: Michael Anderson
Haunted by a traumatic past, a woman discovers inner strength through long-distance swimming. Determined to break the world record while overcoming immense challenges, she defies societal expectations and confronts her personal demons. Her rigorous training and unwavering resolve become a powerful story of resilience and a fight for liberation.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Orca 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!
Get a spoiler-free look at Orca (1977) 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 a stark, windswept coastal community where the ocean’s relentless grind mirrors the lives of its inhabitants, a solitary woman wrestles with the shadows of a painful past. Against the backdrop of craggy cliffs and endless tides, the swimmer feels the pull of the water as both a reminder of loss and a promise of renewal. The sea is portrayed not merely as setting but as an elemental character—its cold depth echoing her grief while its endless horizon hints at the possibility of freedom beyond the confines of her everyday world.
Guided by a quiet determination, the swimmer embarks on a personal odyssey, training for a feat that seems impossible to many: a long‑distance swim that could shatter the world record. Her rigorous preparation blurs the line between physical endurance and emotional catharsis, turning each grueling lap into a meditation on resilience. The community watches with a mixture of skepticism and admiration, its traditional expectations clashing with her unconventional ambition, creating a tension that fuels her resolve.
The film’s tone balances raw natural beauty with an intimate, almost lyrical introspection. Light and shadow play across the water’s surface just as they illuminate the inner battles she faces—societal pressure, lingering trauma, and the ever‑present question of what it truly means to be liberated. Through subtle moments of quiet communion with the sea and fleeting interactions with those who both support and doubt her, the story builds a palpable sense of anticipation without revealing how the journey will culminate.
Ultimately, the narrative invites viewers to contemplate the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of confronting one’s demons. It is a story less about the final triumph and more about the steady, steadfast current that carries a solitary soul forward, urging us all to consider where our own tides might lead if we dare to swim against the undertow.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:14
Don't stop at just watching — explore Orca 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 Orca is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Orca, 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.
Track the full timeline of Orca with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Orca 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.
Orca (1977) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Orca (1977) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Orca (1977) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Orca – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Orca (2023) Movie Recap & Themes
Blackfish (2013) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Underwater (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
Breaking Surface (2020) Movie Recap & Themes
Open Water (2004) Movie Recap & Themes
The Reef: Stalked (2022) Film Overview & Timeline
Dark Tide (2012) Detailed Story Recap
The Burning Sea (2022) Complete Plot Breakdown
Tentacles (1977) Detailed Story Recap
Dead Sea (2024) Detailed Story Recap
Deep Blue Sea (1999) Complete Plot Breakdown
Open Water 3: Cage Dive (2017) Film Overview & Timeline
Jaws: The Revenge (1987) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Humanoids from the Deep (1980) Movie Recap & Themes
The Cove (2009) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap