Submarine

Submarine

Year: 2011

Runtime: 97 min

Language: english

DramaComedy

Oliver Tate, a teenage boy on the cusp of adulthood, grapples with his parents’ complicated relationship and his own budding romantic feelings. He desperately tries to prevent his mother from reuniting with a former lover while also attempting to lose his own innocence. The film explores the awkwardness of adolescence, family secrets, and the challenges of first love with a blend of humor and heartfelt emotion.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Submarine (2011)

Trace every key event in Submarine (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Oliver's Misconceived Self-Perception

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.

1986 Swansea
2

Meeting Jordana

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.

3

Secret Encounter

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.

4

Public Humiliation

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.

5

First Kiss

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.

6

Family Concerns

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.

7

The Arrival of Graham

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.

Next door
8

Jordana's Family Crisis

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.

9

Early Christmas Dinner

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.

Jordana's house
10

Cutting Ties

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.

11

The Beach Incident

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.

The beach
12

Vandalism Outburst

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.

Graham's house
13

Reconciliation

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.

14

Facing Jordana Again

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 beach
15

Uncertain Future

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.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

Unlock the Full Story of Submarine

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Submarine Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Submarine, 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.

Submarine Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Submarine

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Submarine

More About Submarine

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