Salt and Fire

Salt and Fire

Year: 2017

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Werner Herzog

Thriller

Amidst the stark beauty of the Bolivian desert, a driven businessman kidnaps a talented geologist and places her in the desolate salt flats. She finds herself alongside two mysterious boys who are blind, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. As she struggles to understand her situation and the purpose behind her abduction, she confronts dangerous challenges and uncovers hidden truths in this intense thriller exploring the boundaries of endurance and the resilience of the human spirit.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Salt and Fire (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Salt and Fire (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Salar de Uyuni, Santissima Trinità dei Monti

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, located in South America, known for its stark, breathtaking landscapes that appear both desolate and stunning. This expansive region experiences extreme conditions, making it famous for its unique geological and ecological features, as well as its role in an environmental crisis. The Santissima Trinità dei Monti is a convent in Rome, which holds personal significance for the CEO, celebrated for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

🏞️ Landscape ⛪ Religious Site

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:21

Main Characters – Salt and Fire (2017)

Meet the key characters of Salt and Fire (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Laura Sommerfield

A determined scientist, Dr. Sommerfield exemplifies resilience and compassion as she navigates the hostile environment of the salt flats. She finds herself undertaking a harrowing survival journey alongside two blind boys, showcasing her nurturing instincts. Her character is driven by a quest for truth and justice amid dire circumstances.

👩‍🔬 Scientist 🥵 Endurance 🌍 Environmentalism

CEO (Michael Shannon)

The enigmatic CEO finds himself in a moral conflict, haunted by the consequences of his corporation's actions. His character oscillates between villainy and vulnerability, increasingly revealing the weight of his decisions. This duality adds depth to his motivations, particularly regarding his adopted children and the environmental disaster at hand.

👤 Antagonist 🧠 Manipulative 😟 Guilt

Dr. Fabio Cavani

Dr. Cavani is one of the distinguished scientists embroiled in the ecological crisis. His experience and scientific knowledge play a crucial role, but he also suffers physically and mentally during his captivity. The stress of the situation highlights his vulnerabilities amidst the chaos.

👨‍🔬 Scientist 🔒 Captive 🚨 Pressure

Dr. Arnold Meir

Dr. Meir, like his fellow scientists, is confronted with the harsh realities of their research outcomes. His character reflects the emotional toll that academic and scientific pursuits can take when faced with real-world consequences. He struggles with helplessness during their confinement.

👨‍🔬 Scientist 😨 Fear ⚖️ Ethics

Huascar

Huascar is one of the two boys found by Dr. Sommerfield, representing innocence amid catastrophe. His character, named after the last independent ruler of the Incan Empire, embodies resilience, innocence, and the cruel circumstances stemming from the environmental disaster. His blindness amplifies the tragic elements of their survival story.

👶 Child 🌌 Innocence ⚔️ Survival

Atahualpa

Atahualpa, the younger brother, alongside Huascar, symbolizes the vulnerability of youth caught in dire situations. Named after the famous Incan ruler, his character highlights themes of survival and familial ties, showcasing the emotional connection he shares with his brother and Dr. Sommerfield.

👶 Child 🧡 Family ⚔️ Survival

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:21

Major Themes – Salt and Fire (2017)

Explore the central themes of Salt and Fire (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Ecological Crisis

The movie explores the devastating effects of environmental mismanagement, exemplified by the diversion of rivers that led to the ecological collapse seen in Salar de Uyuni. This theme underscores the urgent need for responsible stewardship of natural resources. The catastrophic consequences serve as a backdrop to the personal struggles of the characters caught in the web of this crisis.

⚔️ Survival

Survival is a key theme as characters navigate the harsh realities of the salt flats, grappling with limited resources while facing physical and emotional challenges. Dr. Sommerfield's journey emphasizes the instinct to protect and sustain others, particularly the two young boys she finds herself trapped with. Their plight brings attention to the human cost of environmental degradation.

💔 Familial Bonds

The connection between the CEO and the children highlights complex familial relationships amid chaos and moral dilemmas. Their blind fate symbolizes the broader human suffering caused by the environmental disaster. This theme elevates the narrative’s emotional weight, as familial ties complicate decisions and loyalties in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:21

Unlock the Full Story of Salt and Fire

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

Salt and Fire Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Salt and Fire, 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.

Salt and Fire Summary

Salt and Fire Timeline

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

Salt and Fire Timeline

More About Salt and Fire

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Salt and Fire: 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 Salt and Fire

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