Piranha

Piranha

Year: 1978

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Dante

Sci-FiThrillerHorrorComedy

A young banker struggles with unsettling visions and a precarious grasp on reality as he makes his way to a crucial first day. Amidst the frantic pace of the city, he finds himself facing a bizarre and terrifying danger – a swarm of piranhas unleashed upon the streets. He must confront both the pressures of the financial world and this unexpected aquatic threat to survive.

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Piranha (1978) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Piranha (1978) 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 relentless rush of a modern metropolis, a young banker stands on the brink of his first day at a high‑stakes firm, his mind already a storm of unsettling visions and a fragile grip on reality. The city’s steel and glass reflect his ambition, but also amplify the anxiety that gnaws at him as deadlines loom and the pressure to perform becomes almost physical. Every commuter’s rush, every fluorescent‑lit office, feels like a pulse that quickens his own, pushing him toward a turning point that could define his future—or shatter it.

Beyond the concrete jungle, a bizarre undercurrent begins to surface. Rumors of a secretive military outpost in the wilderness whisper of experiments gone awry, hinting at a creature that defies nature’s rules. The notion of a lurking danger that can spill into the streets adds a surreal edge to the banker’s urban battle, blending corporate dread with primal fear. The tone hovers between tense thriller and darkly comic absurdity, inviting the audience to wonder how the polished world of finance could intersect with something as primal as a swarm of ferocious fish.

Meanwhile, a handful of strangers become entwined with the unfolding mystery. David and Barbara, adventurous backpackers, vanish after stumbling upon the enigmatic reservoir, prompting the relentless investigator Maggie to chase clues through remote hills. She soon teams with the rugged survivalist Paul, whose quiet life is interrupted by the same unsettling rumors, and the eccentric former scientist Dr. Hoak, whose cryptic warnings echo a hidden agenda. Their intersecting paths suggest a coalition of curiosity and desperation, each driven by personal stakes yet pulled toward a larger, unseen threat.

As the city’s pulse races and the hidden waters stir, the young banker must navigate both his inner turmoil and the strange, looming peril that could flood his world. The story promises a clash of worlds—corporate ambition versus uncontrolled nature—where survival hinges on more than just sharp suits and spreadsheet mastery.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:14

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Piranha Summary

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Piranha Summary

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Piranha Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Piranha

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Piranha

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