The Red Turtle

The Red Turtle

Year: 2017

Runtime: 80 min

Language: Unknown language

Director: Michael Dudok de Wit

FantasyAnimation

Stranded on a remote island, a solitary man struggles to escape, but his attempts are repeatedly thwarted by a giant red turtle. The unlikely encounter leads to an unexpected connection as he navigates the challenges of survival and begins to question his desire to leave. Through this surreal experience, he confronts themes of freedom, connection, and the acceptance of the natural world.

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Timeline – The Red Turtle (2017)

Trace every key event in The Red Turtle (2017) 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

Storm Strikes

A man is caught in a fierce storm while at sea, which ultimately sweeps him away from everything he knows. He becomes cast away on an uninhabited island, with no immediate way to return home.

Ocean
2

Discovering the Island

Upon awakening, the man explores his new surroundings and discovers fresh water, ripe fruits, and a lush bamboo forest. He notices a distinct rock hill that looms over the island, setting the scene for his days of solitude.

Uninhabited island
3

Experiencing Hallucinations

As the nights pass, he starts experiencing vivid hallucinations, including visions of a bridge symbolizing freedom and a quartet serenading him along the shore. These visions reflect his deep sense of isolation and yearning for companionship.

Island
4

Building a Raft

Desperate to escape, the man begins constructing a raft using bamboo. His heart is filled with hope, but he soon realizes that escape is more challenging than he anticipated.

Island
5

Confrontation with the Turtle

In a fit of rage, the man strikes a giant red hawksbill sea turtle with a bamboo stick, unintentionally flipping it onto its back. This moment marks a turning point in his emotional journey, stirring feelings of guilt and despair.

Island
6

Guilt and Attempt to Help

Tormented by guilt, he tries to help the turtle but finds it too heavy to turn back over. Despite his efforts to fetch water for it, he returns to a heartbreaking sight: the turtle has died, leaving him wrought with sorrow.

Island
7

The Woman's Awakening

After grieving for the turtle, the man discovers a red-haired woman lying unconscious within the turtle's split shell. He cares for her, building a shelter to protect her from the elements, marking a new chapter in his life.

Island
8

Love Blossoms

As the woman awakens and recovers, she swims alongside the man, and their bond begins to deepen. Together, they share the joy of their new life, repurposing the turtle shell for their needs.

Island
9

Birth of Their Son

The couple welcomes a red-haired son into their secluded paradise, who thrives in the abundant environment. His presence brings added joy and hope to their lives.

Island
10

Discovering the Bottle

One day, while exploring, the young boy finds a glass bottle, inspiring his parents to create pictographs depicting their adventures. This exploration deepens their connection and reflects their shared history.

Island
11

The Boy's Swimming Talent

While playing in the sea, the boy surprises everyone by showcasing his inherent talent for swimming, joining the green sea turtles. This moment of joy highlights the carefree nature of their island life.

Sea near the island
12

The Tsunami

A catastrophic tsunami strikes the island, devastating the family and their home. In the chaos, they become separated, intensifying their fears and uncertainties.

Island
13

Searching for Family

After the tsunami, the young boy attempts to find his parents amidst the destruction. He discovers his wounded mother and, with the help of three turtles, embarks on a mission to locate his father.

Island
14

Reuniting with Father

The boy finds his father clinging to a bamboo tree and is able to rescue him just in time to prevent him from drowning. This moment of reunion signifies the family's enduring bond despite the catastrophe.

Island
15

The Final Farewell

Years later, the now-young man feels a pull towards the ocean and bids farewell to his parents. In a poignant moment, he swims away with the green turtles, embarking on a new adventure.

Ocean
16

Life Goes On

While the young man pursues his dreams at sea, his parents age together on the island. Their lives continue in harmony until a serene night when the man passes away, leaving a profound void.

Island
17

Transformation into the Turtle

After the man's passing, the woman, heartbroken, lies beside him and gently observes his hand transforming into a flipper. In an emotional farewell, she reverts to the red turtle and slips into the ocean's embrace.

Shore of the island

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:49

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The Red Turtle Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Red Turtle

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Red Turtle

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The Red Turtle Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Red Turtle

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