Year: 1973
Runtime: 104 min
Language: English
Director: Mike Nichols
While studying dolphin communication in the Florida Keys, marine biologists Jake and Maggie Terrell find their research complicated by a disappearance. Their investigation leads them to the Franklin Foundation, revealing a dangerous plot to exploit the dolphins' intelligence. The foundation intends to use the dolphins for purposes that could destabilize the world, forcing Jake and Maggie to confront a sinister conspiracy and protect these intelligent creatures.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Day of the Dolphin 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!
Get a spoiler-free look at The Day of the Dolphin (1973) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, a secluded island research station becomes a sanctuary for discovery. Jake Terrell, a brilliant marine biologist, and his partner Maggie devote their lives to unlocking the mysteries of dolphin communication, hoping to bridge the gap between species with a language that moves beyond gestures and clicks. Their work blends scientific rigor with quiet wonder, creating an atmosphere where each splash of a dolphin fin feels like a step toward a new frontier of understanding.
Among the pod they study, the most remarkable is a dolphin they have raised from captivity for years. This intelligent creature, known as Alpha (nicknamed “Fa”), has already begun to grasp simple English phrases, serving as a charismatic teacher and confidant to the researchers. When a wild‑caught female dolphin, Beta (“Bea”), joins the group, the dynamic shifts: curiosity ignites, and a fragile mentorship blooms, hinting at a deeper, perhaps even emotional, connection between humans and the sea’s most sentient inhabitants. The tranquil routine of training sessions, data logs, and sunrise swims is underscored by a subtle tension, as the researchers sense that their groundbreaking work is far more valuable—and vulnerable—than they first imagined.
Their partnership with the prestigious Franklin Foundation adds both resources and an undercurrent of intrigue. While the foundation’s support fuels the quest for interspecies dialogue, rumors of ulterior motives begin to surface, suggesting that the dolphins’ extraordinary intelligence could be coveted for purposes beyond pure science. As Jake and Maggie navigate the delicate balance between curiosity and caution, they confront the ethical weight of their discovery, aware that the fate of these remarkable beings—and perhaps the world’s perception of them—hangs on choices made in the quiet moments between the waves.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:16
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Day of the Dolphin 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 The Day of the Dolphin is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Day of the Dolphin, 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.
Track the full timeline of The Day of the Dolphin with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Day of the Dolphin that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Day of the Dolphin (1973) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Day of the Dolphin (1973) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Day of the Dolphin (1973) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Day of the Dolphin – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Eye of the Dolphin (2007) Full Summary & Key Details
Deep Blue Sea (1999) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Dolphin Tale (2011) Movie Recap & Themes
Dark Tide (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Cove (2009) Full Movie Breakdown
Dolphin Kick (2019) Full Summary & Key Details
Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) Full Summary & Key Details
Dolphin Reef (2020) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Mermaid (2016) Full Summary & Key Details
Mission Blue (2014) Film Overview & Timeline
Flipper (1996) Full Movie Breakdown
Blackfish (2013) Full Summary & Key Details
Big Miracle (2012) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Mayday (2021) Movie Recap & Themes
Underwater (2020) Movie Recap & Themes