The Dish

Year: 2001

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Rob Sitch

DramaComedy

A team of eccentric Australian scientists, led by Cliff Buxton (Sam Neill), unexpectedly finds themselves pivotal in history when they receive the first images transmitted from the moon landing. Operating from a remote sheep farm, their unusual methods of communication are challenged by a series of comical setbacks and unforeseen events as they work to ensure the world witnesses this monumental occasion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Dish 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 – The Dish (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Dish (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Main Characters – The Dish (2001)

Meet the key characters of The Dish (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cliff Buxton

Cliff Buxton is the dedicated chief scientific supervisor at the satellite station, embodying leadership and emotional depth as he recalls memories of his late wife. He navigates the pressures of the NASA takeover, balancing his team’s morale and the importance of their mission. His personal reflections highlight the human side of scientific achievement, making him a relatable character who carries the weight of legacy on his shoulders.

🧑‍🔬 Scientist 💔 Grief 🎖️ Leadership

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Major Themes – The Dish (2001)

Explore the central themes of The Dish (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

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 small towns in history like The Dish

Quirky communities that find themselves at the center of world-changing history.Discover movies like The Dish where a quirky small town plays a pivotal role in a major historical event. These films capture the unique blend of gentle comedy, community spirit, and unexpected global pressure that defines this narrative pattern.

quirkycommunityunderdognostalgictouchinghopefultensecomical

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a close-knit, often overlooked community that becomes unexpectedly essential to a large-scale event. The plot weaves together the technical or logistical challenges of the event with the personal subplots of the townsfolk, leading to a climax where their collective effort makes a difference, though often with a bittersweet acknowledgment of their brief moment in the spotlight.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'underdog' community dynamic, the contrast between mundane local life and world-shaking events, and a tone that balances earnest hope with gentle, character-driven humor.

Unsung hero movies with teamwork like The Dish

Celebrating the overlooked teams whose dedication made history possible.If you liked the teamwork in The Dish, explore these movies about the quiet, behind-the-scenes crews who made history happen. These similar dramas celebrate the technical experts and unsung heroes whose dedication is crucial to famous events.

teamworkunderdogtouchinghopefultenseproceduralnostalgicbittersweet

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a specialized team working towards a singular, well-defined goal, facing a series of technical setbacks and interpersonal challenges. The drama comes from solving problems under pressure, with the ultimate success belonging to the public figures they support, leaving the team's contribution as a poignant, bittersweet secret of history.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific narrative pattern: a team-focused plot, a blend of technical detail and human emotion, a tone that is hopeful yet grounded, and an ending that acknowledges contribution over fame. They offer a satisfying look at the mechanics of success.

Unlock the Full Story of The Dish

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

The Dish Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Dish, 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.

The Dish Timeline

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

The Dish Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Dish 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.

More About The Dish

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Dish: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Dish

Discover movies like The Dish 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.