Tesla

Tesla

Year: 2016

Runtime: 54 mins

Language: English

Director: David Grubin

HistoryDocumentary

This film explores the life of Nikola Tesla, a brilliant engineer and inventor who fundamentally changed the electrical landscape of the 20th century. Though often overshadowed by figures like Edison and Marconi, Tesla’s pioneering vision laid the groundwork for modern wireless technology. The story delves into the complex nature of his genius, revealing how his boundless imagination and unconventional methods contributed to both his groundbreaking innovations and personal struggles, ultimately shaping his legacy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Tesla yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Tesla (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tesla (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1880s to early 1900s

The film covers a period from the 1880s, when Tesla begins his work in electricity, through the early 20th century, highlighting the technological advancements, rivalries, and societal context of that transformative era in industrial America.

Location

New York City, Pittsburgh, Colorado

The movie is primarily set in late 19th and early 20th century locations, including bustling New York City where Tesla works at the Edison labs, industrial Pittsburgh where Tesla collaborates with Westinghouse, and Colorado, where Tesla develops the Tesla coil amidst mountainous landscapes. These locations reflect the technological innovation and expansion during that era.

🌆 Urban 🏭 Industrial 🏞️ Mountainous

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:53

Main Characters – Tesla (2016)

Meet the key characters of Tesla (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tesla (Ethan Hawke)

Tesla is depicted as a brilliant and visionary inventor driven by curiosity and a desire to advance humanity. His character struggles with recognition and the challenges of commercialization, often torn between scientific idealism and financial reality.

🧠 Genius 🔧 Inventor 🌌 Dreamer

Anne Morgan (Eve Hewson)

Anne serves as the narrator and a thoughtful observer of Tesla's life, reflecting on his achievements and personal sacrifices. She embodies a perspective of admiration and contemplation on the impact of Tesla's work and legacy.

📜 Narrator 💡 Observer 🌍 Historian

Thomas Edison (Kyle MacLachlan)

Edison is portrayed as a rival and skeptic of Tesla’s alternating current, emphasizing the competitive and commercial conflicts of the era. His character embodies pragmatic innovation and the cutthroat nature of the industrial age.

🤝 Rival 💼 Entrepreneur 🗣️ Opponent

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:53

Major Themes – Tesla (2016)

Explore the central themes of Tesla (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚡ Innovation

The movie explores Tesla's pioneering work with electricity and technological inventions, depicting his relentless pursuit of innovation. It emphasizes how groundbreaking ideas can reshape the world yet also face skepticism and opposition.

🎭 Fame and Obscurity

Tesla's rise to fame contrasts with his later solitude, illustrating themes of recognition, exploitation, and the fleeting nature of celebrity. His journey reflects both the brilliance and the loneliness often associated with revolutionary inventors.

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:53

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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.

Movies about unrecognized genius like Tesla

Stories of brilliant minds whose revolutionary ideas come at a personal cost.Explore movies like Tesla that delve into the lives of brilliant but misunderstood figures. These films share a melancholic and thoughtful tone, charting the journey of innovators, artists, and scientists whose contributions were overshadowed by their personal struggles or the era they lived in.

thoughtfulmelancholicadmiringlonelyponderousresignedinspiring

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a biographical or character-driven arc, chronicling the rise and struggles of a uniquely gifted individual. The central conflict is often between the character's visionary ideals and the pragmatic, often hostile, world they inhabit. The journey is marked by professional rivalry, financial hardship, and a deep sense of personal sacrifice, leading to a bittersweet legacy.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared thematic focus on intellectual isolation and the high price of innovation. They possess a similar reflective mood, a steady pacing that allows for deep character study, and a tone that balances admiration for achievement with the melancholy of personal cost.

Bittersweet biographical movies similar to Tesla

Historical accounts that celebrate achievement while mourning personal loss.If you liked the reflective and bittersweet journey in Tesla, you'll appreciate these similar biographical movies. They explore historical figures with a steady, thoughtful pace, focusing on the mix of professional triumph and personal hardship that defines a complex legacy.

reflectivebittersweethistoricalponderousresignedadmiringlonely

Narrative Summary

These stories often unfold in a linear, chronological fashion, but are framed by a reflective or questioning perspective. The narrative doesn't shy away from the subject's flaws and downfalls, creating a more honest and human portrait. The emotional arc is not one of unmitigated triumph but of a legacy forged through struggle, ending with a poignant mix of sadness for what was lost and respect for what was accomplished.

Why These Movies?

This grouping is defined by a specific emotional mix: a steady, deliberate pacing combined with a melancholic tone and a bittersweet conclusion. The movies share a medium emotional weight, providing a thoughtful and impactful viewing experience that honors complexity over simplicity.

Unlock the Full Story of Tesla

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

Tesla Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tesla, 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.

Tesla Summary

Tesla Timeline

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

Tesla Timeline

Tesla Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Tesla 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.

Tesla Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Tesla

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