Splash

Splash

Year: 1984

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Howard

FantasyComedyRomance

A young boy's brief meeting with a captivating mermaid sparks a remarkable and enduring connection. Twenty years later, she returns, and he finds himself torn between his feelings for her and the familiar comforts of his life. Their reunion is complicated by a scientist intent on exploiting her existence, forcing them to confront extraordinary challenges and ultimately decide where they truly belong.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Splash (1984)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Splash (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1964, 1984

The film spans a period of twenty years, beginning in 1964, characterized by the innocence and wonder of youth, which is further explored through Allen's nostalgic connection to his childhood. By 1984, it captures a more complex modern world more involved with relationships, technology, and the quest for true love.

Location

Cape Cod, Rio de Janeiro, Statue of Liberty, Bloomingdale's, New York Natural History Museum, Manhattan, Hudson River

The story takes place in various iconic locations, starting from the serene Cape Cod, known for its stunning beaches and maritime heritage. In contrast, Rio de Janeiro brings a vibrant and lively atmosphere, showcasing its beautiful landscapes and dynamic culture. Key scenes unfold at the famous Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope, and bustling Bloomingdale's, a high-end shopping destination in New York. The film also highlights the New York Natural History Museum, a hub for scientific discovery, and Manhattan's hectic urban life.

🌊 Ocean 🏙️ City 🗽 Landmark

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:45

Main Characters – Splash (1984)

Meet the key characters of Splash (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks)

Allen is a compassionate and introspective man on a quest for love that feels unattainable. Over the years, he navigates the complexities of relationships while yearning for a deeper connection. His character exhibits emotional vulnerability, particularly when confronted with the remarkable presence of Madison, who challenges his perceptions of love.

👨‍❤️‍👨 Romance 🤵 Seeking Love

Madison (Daryl Hannah)

Madison is a mermaid with a childlike wonder and curiosity about the human world. She evolves significantly as she learns to adapt to life on land, bringing both innocence and wisdom to her character. Her enchanting presence captivates Allen, and her struggle with her identity adds depth to her character as she balances her mermaid origins with her newfound feelings for him.

🐚 Fantasy ❤️‍🔥 Enchantment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:45

Major Themes – Splash (1984)

Explore the central themes of Splash (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Love

The theme of love runs deeply throughout the film, showcasing Allen's journey in search of genuine connection. His profound affection for Madison highlights the lengths one would go for true love, transcending the barriers of species and societal norms. The evolving bond between Allen and Madison explores the complexities of love in both its joyous and heartbreaking moments.

🌊 Fantasy

The film beautifully blends elements of fantasy with reality through the enchanting character of Madison, a mermaid navigating the human world. This juxtaposition encourages audiences to embrace imagination and the extraordinary possibilities that life can hold. The fantastical elements serve to deepen the emotional stakes and the connection between the characters.

🤔 Identity

Madison's struggle with her identity serves as a central theme in the narrative. As she learns to communicate and adapt to human society, her journey reflects the challenges of self-discovery. Allen also grapples with understanding who he is in relation to love and companionship, leading to moments of self-reflection and growth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:45

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical fish-out-of-water romances like Splash

Magical beings navigate the human world and discover love in a whimsical adventure.If you liked the magical love story in Splash, you'll enjoy these movies where fantastical characters find romance in the human world. These films share a similar lighthearted tone, whimsical humor, and feel-good ending, perfect for viewers seeking an uplifting and playful fantasy romance experience.

whimsicalromanticplayfulupliftingfantasticaloptimisticmagicalfeel-good

Narrative Summary

The story typically begins with the magical character's arrival in the human world, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming misadventures as they adapt. A human protagonist becomes their guide and eventual love interest, with the central conflict often involving a third party trying to expose or exploit the secret. The narrative builds steadily towards a climax where love triumphs, and the couple finds their happily-ever-after, often in a fantastical or symbolic way.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared core premise of an enchanting outsider discovering love, their consistent whimsical and optimistic tone, and their light emotional weight. They offer a similar viewing experience: an escape into a gently magical world where love conquers all with a smile.

Lighthearted urban fantasy adventures like Splash

Discover the enchantment hidden within a bustling, modern cityscape.Fans of Splash will enjoy these movies that explore magical happenings in a modern city. Like Splash, these films feature a steady pace, medium intensity, and a focus on the delightful clash between the ordinary and the extraordinary, offering a fun and fantastical escape.

magicalplayfuladventurouswondrousurbanoptimisticdiscoveryenchanted

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist—often an ordinary person—who stumbles upon or is entrusted with a magical secret in the city. The plot involves exploring this hidden world, often with a companion, while evading those who wish to control or destroy the magic. The journey is one of wonder and discovery, resolving in a way that secures a place for magic within the urban landscape.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on their shared setting of magic in a modern city and their light, adventurous tone. The similarity comes from the specific vibe of playful discovery and the feeling that enchantment is just around the corner, even in the most familiar places.

Unlock the Full Story of Splash

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

Splash Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Splash, 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.

Splash Summary

Splash Timeline

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

Splash Timeline

Splash Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Splash that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Splash Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Splash

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Splash: 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 Splash

Similar Movies to Splash

Discover movies like Splash 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.