The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse

Year: 2018

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Chris Crow

Thriller

In 1801, two lighthouse keepers, Thomas Howell and Thomas Wake, are stationed on the remote Smalls Island Lighthouse. A violent storm cuts them off from the mainland, leaving them stranded and increasingly isolated. As weeks turn into months, tensions rise and their grip on reality begins to unravel, leading them down a disturbing path of paranoia, madness, and despair amidst the unforgiving landscape.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Lighthouse (2018)

Trace every key event in The Lighthouse (2018) 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

Arrival at the Lighthouse

Thomas Wake and his new assistant Ephraim Winslow arrive at the secluded lighthouse for a four-week stint. The isolated setting creates a heavy atmosphere filled with tension and uncertainty about their new roles.

Lighthouse
2

Wake's Offer

As the days unfold, Wake attempts to bond with Winslow by offering him liquor. Winslow, however, declines, choosing to focus on their laborious tasks and maintaining a sense of professionalism amidst their isolation.

Lighthouse
3

Wake's Disappearance

One fateful night, Wake mysteriously vanishes, leaving Winslow feeling increasingly uneasy. His instincts push him to investigate the rocky shoreline, which leads to a shocking discovery that will haunt him.

Shoreline
4

Discovery of the Body

While wandering the shore, Winslow is confronted with a lifeless body adrift in the water. This gruesome sight deepens the sense of foreboding and dread surrounding his time at the lighthouse.

Ocean
5

Visions of the Mermaid

Winslow begins to experience hallucinations of a mermaid accompanied by an enchanting but eerie melody. These visions intensify his fascination with the mermaid figurine and stir hidden desires within him.

6

Wake's Ominous Warnings

Wake's authoritative demeanor grows, along with his cryptic warnings about the sacred nature of seagulls, believed to be the souls of lost sailors. His control over Winslow becomes a source of mounting tension.

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7

Defiance and Identity

The relationship between Wake and Winslow escalates when Winslow confronts Wake about being called 'dog,' asserting his individual identity. This marks a significant turning point as Winslow pushes against Wake's oppressive control.

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8

Confrontation with the Seagull

In a fit of rage, Winslow violently assaults a seagull against the rocks, a moment that encapsulates his mounting frustrations. This act not only proves detrimental to his psyche but also shifts the power dynamic between the two men.

Rocks
9

Binge Drinking and Tension

As their stay nears the end, Wake suggests indulging in alcohol to forget their troubles. Their drunken revelry quickly dissolves into heated arguments, further fraying their fragile relationship and heightening conflict.

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10

The Mermaid's Arrival

Amidst a raging storm, Winslow discovers a mysterious woman washed ashore, who resembles the mermaid from his visions. Her emergence serves as a chilling catalyst that intertwines his fate with the supernatural.

Shoreline
11

Chaos and Insults

The storm intensifies, paralleling the discord between Wake and Winslow. Heated arguments break out, with anger directed towards Wake’s cooking, which culminates in an ominous curse that foreshadows chaos and despair.

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12

Destruction of the Lifeboat

In a desperate attempt to escape, Winslow's plans are sabotaged when Wake destroys the lifeboat with an axe. This brutal act ignites a frenzied chase, revealing the depths of their deteriorating sanity and trust.

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13

The Fatal Struggle

In an explosive confrontation, Winslow finally confronts Wake, leading to a fierce struggle for dominance. The conflict turns deadly as Winslow delivers a lethal blow, sealing their tragic fates.

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14

Ascend to the Lighthouse

After Winslow's violent victory over Wake, he ascends to the top of the lighthouse. His moment of triumph quickly devolves into madness as he reaches for the beacon, culminating in a horrific fall.

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15

Mortality and Madness

With the dawn of a new day, Winslow lies motionless on the jagged rocks, displaying the ultimate vulnerability and despair. The screeching seagulls feast upon his lifeless body, symbolizing the brutality and finality of his fate.

Shoreline

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 13:24

Unlock the Full Story of The Lighthouse

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The Lighthouse Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Lighthouse, 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 Lighthouse Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Lighthouse

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Ending Explained

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The Lighthouse Ending Explained

More About The Lighthouse

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More About The Lighthouse

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