Splash, Too (1988) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in New York, shifting between a suburban home where Allen and Madison live, and key locations like the aquarium where Madison's friend Salty is held captive. A secluded island retreat from the first film also appears as a nostalgic setting.

• new york
• suburban home
• aquarium
• island
• settings

The story takes place in the mid-1980s, roughly four years after the original Splash. The era is characterized by pre-digital culture, family business dynamics, and suburban life typical of late 1980s family comedies.

• 1980s
• mid-1980s
• time period
• era

Madison grapples with her dual nature as both a mermaid and a human wife. The film uses water imagery to show how she navigates between two worlds while maintaining her core humanity, exploring how one person can hold multiple identities without losing themselves.

• identity
• meraid
• dual nature
• water

Allen and Madison's relationship faces tests from work pressures and conflicting lifestyles. They must learn to listen, admit fault, and align their goals without sacrificing trust. The film reinforces that honest communication is essential for a lasting partnership.

• love
• relationship
• communication
• marriage

The dolphin Salty's captivity at the aquarium creates tension between freedom and obligation. Madison and Allen's decision to release Salty challenges corporate interests and becomes a catalyst for redefining their responsibilities to others beyond themselves.

• freedom
• dolphin
• salty
• captivity
• aquarium

The film contrasts old-fashioned family values with the couple's evolving needs. Karl Hooten's push for a pristine all-American image clashes with authenticity in relationships and business. The resolution suggests genuine connection outweighs appearances and established expectations.

• tradition
• family values
• karl hooten
• appearances

Allen Bauer is a practical, work-driven husband who runs Bauer Produce. He misses city life and struggles to balance his business responsibilities with Madison's emotional needs. Throughout the story, he learns to listen and compromise for the sake of their relationship.

• allen bauer
• husband
• business
• character

Madison Bauer is a mermaid living on land who can glimpse images in water and communicate through patterns. She seeks personal growth and independence while protecting her secret mermaid identity. Her warmth and curiosity drive her to advocate for herself and those she loves.

• madison bauer
• mermaid
• character
• identity

Karl Hooten is a wealthy benefactor who values an all-American family image and uses his influence over Bauer Produce. His emphasis on appearances creates friction when Madison asserts her independence. He serves as both an obstacle and ally as the couple navigates their future.

• karl hooten
• wealthy benefactor
• conflict
• character

The aquarium represents the contrast between confinement and freedom that drives the characters' choices. It is where Salty, Madison's dolphin friend, is held captive, and it becomes the setting for the film's central moral dilemma about animal freedom and taking action against corporate interests.

• aquarium
• dolphin
• salty
• freedom
• confinement

Freddie Bauer is Allen's brother who provides a link to the family business and the New York world. Practical and supportive, he helps Allen reconnect with Bauer Produce and serves as a bridge between their old life and the new challenges they face.

• freddie bauer
• brother
• family business
• support

Mrs. Stimler is the nosy neighbor who values privacy and a quiet suburban life. She serves as a social foil, challenging the couple's attempts to live freely within their community's expectations. Her suspicion highlights the pressure to conform to neighborhood norms.

• mrs stimler
• neighbor
• suburban
• conformity
• pressure