Tentacles

Tentacles

Year: 1977

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Ovidio G. Assonitis

ActionAdventureSci-FiThrillerHorrorComedy

A massive octopus terrorizes a seaside town, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of unsuspecting tourists. Investigative journalist Ned Turner teams up with marine expert Will Gleason to uncover the source of the creature's rampage. Their investigation reveals a sinister plot orchestrated by ruthless corporation leader Mr. Whitehead, who is deeply involved in the octopus's deadly actions and the events leading to its emergence.

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Timeline & Setting – Tentacles (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tentacles (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a contemporary context, likely in the late 20th century as it involves modern issues like construction projects and marine biology. The technology and references to contemporary societal concerns suggest a time period reflecting its release in the 1970s.

Location

Solana Beach, California

Solana Beach is a picturesque coastal city located in Southern California, known for its scenic beaches and vibrant coastal community. The area attracts visitors with its stunning ocean views and recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing. The city embodies the quintessential laid-back California lifestyle.

🌊 Beach 🏙️ City

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Main Characters – Tentacles (1977)

Meet the key characters of Tentacles (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Will Gleason

Will Gleason is a dedicated marine biologist with a strong bond to the ocean and its inhabitants, particularly the killer whales he studies. His character portrays resilience and determination, especially as he faces personal loss and battles the giant octopus threatening the community. Will's commitment to uncovering the truth reflects his deep understanding of the marine ecosystem and his compassion for both human and animal life.

🐟 Marine Biology 🦈 Survival 💪 Determination

Ned Turner

Ned Turner is a relentless journalist whose instincts drive him to investigate the mysterious deaths occurring in Solana Beach. With a strong sense of responsibility, he seeks the truth and uncovers the connection between corporate misdeeds and the tragedies affecting the community. His character embodies the critical role of journalism in holding power accountable and protecting public safety.

📰 Investigation 💼 Journalism 🔍 Truth-seeking

Sheriff Robards

Sheriff Robards is a pragmatic law enforcement officer who tries to balance public safety with the potential panic of his community. Though he initially wishes to keep the investigation under wraps, his character evolves as he confronts the reality of the threat posed by the octopus. Robards represents the tension between law enforcement and the push for transparency in dangerous situations.

👮‍♂️ Law Enforcement ⚖️ Justice 🚨 Leadership

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

Major Themes – Tentacles (1977)

Explore the central themes of Tentacles (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐙 Nature's Wrath

The theme of Nature's Wrath is central to the movie, as the giant octopus symbolizes the destructive power of the natural world when provoked by human activity. The conflict arises from the underwater tunnel construction, which inadvertently disrupts the marine ecosystem. This highlights the consequences of neglecting environmental responsibilities.

📰 Investigative Journalism

Ned Turner's role as a journalist underscores the importance of uncovering the truth behind the mysterious deaths. The theme suggests that investigative journalism can reveal corruption and corporate negligence, which may lead to dire consequences. It illustrates the moral responsibility to report on issues that can affect public safety and well-being.

💔 Loss and Grief

The emotional toll of loss is poignantly portrayed through characters like Will Gleason, who faces the tragic death of his divers and the threat to his loved ones. This theme explores how grief can drive individuals to confront fears and take action in desperate situations, highlighting the personal stakes amidst the broader conflict.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:11

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Movies about corporate hubris and nature's revenge like Tentacles

Thrillers where corporate greed and scientific arrogance trigger an environmental catastrophe.Fans of Tentacles will enjoy these similar creature features and disaster thrillers where corporate negligence or scientific hubris causes an environmental crisis. These movies like Tentacles pit everyday heroes against monstrous forces unleashed by greed, offering thrilling action and suspenseful survival stories.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a clear, straightforward investigation into a sudden, destructive phenomenon. Heroes, often journalists or scientists, uncover a corporate cover-up or a dangerous experiment that has gone wrong, leading to a direct conflict with the unleashed force, be it a creature or a disaster.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared theme of 'man vs. nature' where 'man' is represented by unethical institutions. They combine a tense, high-intensity tone with fast-paced action and a bittersweet undercurrent, as victory often comes with significant cost, highlighting the consequences of the initial hubris.

Fast-paced creature feature survival movies like Tentacles

High-intensity thrillers where a community battles a monstrous threat for survival.If you liked the giant octopus attacks and high-stakes survival in Tentacles, this list is for you. Discover more similar creature features and monster movies with fast pacing, high intensity, and a tense, destructive mood that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is straightforward, built around a series of escalating attacks by a monstrous creature. Character arcs are often simple, focused on survival and heroism. The story moves rapidly from one action sequence to the next, with a clear goal: stop the monster before it destroys everything.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their primary goal: to deliver a thrilling, suspenseful, and destructive experience. They share a high-intensity, fast-paced vibe with a tense tone, placing the communal fight for survival against a monstrous antagonist at the forefront.

Unlock the Full Story of Tentacles

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

Tentacles Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tentacles, 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.

Tentacles Summary

Tentacles Timeline

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

Tentacles Timeline

Tentacles Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Tentacles 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.

Tentacles Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Tentacles

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

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