Submarine

In 1986 Swansea, Oliver Tate believes he is a genius and the favored classmate among his peers. In reality, he is socially disconnected and struggles with the dynamics of teenage life.

Oliver develops a crush on Jordana, a bold girl in his class. To impress her, he engages in bullying an overweight classmate, mistakenly thinking this will win her affection.

Jordana invites Oliver to meet after school and instructs him to bring a Polaroid camera and diary. Their secret meeting is actually a ploy to make her ex-boyfriend jealous, which Oliver unwittingly participates in.

Their attempt to provoke jealousy backfires as both Oliver and Jordana become the targets of cruel bullying. Afterward, Oliver is physically assaulted when he refuses to insult Jordana, marking a turning point in their relationship.

After the bullying incident, if only briefly, Jordana takes Oliver’s hand and they share their first kiss. This moment solidifies their bond, leading Oliver to proudly declare her as his girlfriend.

Oliver grows worried about his parents' deteriorating relationship and his father's increasing depression. He feels compelled to intervene while grappling with his own romantic struggles.

New age guru Graham, his mother’s ex-boyfriend, moves in next door, stirring Oliver's suspicions. Oliver worries that Graham's flirtatious behavior may threaten the fragile state of his parents' marriage.

Oliver learns that Jordana's mother has a potentially fatal brain tumor. This knowledge leaves him feeling helpless, and he absurdly contemplates harming her dog to spare her the pain of dealing with her mother’s mortality.

At an early Christmas dinner with Jordana's family, Oliver witnesses her father’s emotional breakdown. This moment makes him question the stability of the Jordana he cherishes, leading him to withdraw from her life.

In a misguided effort to shield Jordana from emotional pain, Oliver chooses to stop communicating with her. This decision stems from his inability to navigate the complexities of relationships as a young teenager.

Oliver suspects his mother is having an affair with Graham and follows them to the beach. He notices Jordana with a new boyfriend, and his heart is shattered, further compounding his emotional turmoil.

In a fit of rage and alcohol-fueled despair, Oliver breaks into Graham's home and vandalizes the place. This reckless act stems from his frustration with his family's instability and his lost relationship with Jordana.

The next morning, Oliver discovers that his parents have reconciled after a heart-to-heart. Despite their complex relationship, this moment brings Oliver a sense of relief amid his ongoing heartbreak about Jordana.

Weeks later, Oliver sees Jordana on the beach and seizes the opportunity to explain his previous actions. Reuniting with her reveals that she has ended things with her new boyfriend, reigniting hopes for their relationship.

The film concludes without confirming whether Oliver and Jordana rekindle their romance. This open-ended moment reflects the unresolved nature of adolescence and the complexities involved in young love.