Splash (1984) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in New York City, specifically Manhattan, with key scenes at iconic locations like the Statue of Liberty, Bloomingdale's department store, and the American Museum of Natural History. The story also begins in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, reflecting the character's maritime connections, and includes a vibrant trip to Rio de Janeiro.

• locations
• new york
• cape cod
• rio de janeiro
• statue of liberty
• manhattan
• setting

The story spans twenty years, beginning in 1964 with Allen's childhood encounter with the mermaid, then jumping to 1984 for the main narrative. This time shift captures both the innocence of the 1960s and the modern world of the 1980s, marking how society and technology have evolved.

• time period
• 1964
• 1984
• 1980s
• 1960s
• setting era

Splash explores three central themes: love that transcends physical and societal boundaries, the blend of fantasy with reality through magical elements, and the journey of identity discovery for both Madison and Allen. These themes create a heartfelt story about finding one's true self and connection.

• themes
• love
• fantasy
• identity
• self discovery
• mermaid

Allen Bauer is a compassionate and introspective man portrayed by Tom Hanks, who spends years searching for a deep, meaningful romantic connection. His emotional vulnerability and yearning for something extraordinary lead him to rediscover Madison, the mermaid from his childhood.

• allen bauer
• tom hanks
• main character
• protagonist

Madison is a mermaid played by Daryl Hannah who ventures from the ocean into the human world with childlike curiosity. She learns to communicate and adapt to life on land while grappling with her identity, balancing her mermaid origins with her growing feelings for Allen.

• madison
• daryl Hannah
• mermaid
• character
• fantasy

Splash is a fantasy romantic comedy that combines magical elements with a classic love story. The film uses a fish-out-of-water premise, with whimsical and lighthearted tone throughout, blending humor with heartfelt moments about true love and self-discovery.

• genre
• fantasy
• romance
• comedy
• romantic comedy
• mermaid movie

New York City provides a stark contrast to the ocean setting, emphasizing the fish-out-of-water theme. The bustling urban environment of Manhattan, combined with locations like the natural history museum and upscale department stores, highlights Madison's struggle to adapt to human society while creating visually striking juxtapositions.

• new york
• manhattan
• urban setting
• fish out of water
• contrast

The film portrays love as a force that transcends barriers of species, time, and societal expectations. Allen's enduring devotion to someone he met as a child demonstrates that true love can persist across decades and impossible circumstances, emphasizing that genuine connection matters more than conventional norms.

• love theme
• true love
• romance
• connection
• transcendence

Both main characters grapple with self-discovery throughout the film. Madison must reconcile her mermaid nature with her desire to be human for Allen, while Allen examines what he truly wants in life and love. Their parallel journeys of understanding who they are and what they want form an emotional core of the movie.

• identity
• self discovery
• mermaid
• transformation
• growth

Unlike darker fantasy tales, Splash maintains a consistently light and whimsical tone while exploring real emotional stakes. The 1980s setting grounds the magical premise in a recognizable modern world, and the film's humor balances the more poignant moments about love and belonging, creating an accessible feel-good experience.

• unique
• fantasy film
• mermaid
• movie comparison
• whimsical tone