The Shallows

The Shallows

Year: 2016

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

DramaThrillerHorror

Seeking solace after a personal tragedy, medical student Nancy Adams travels to a remote beach. While swimming, she is attacked by a large great white shark, leaving her injured and isolated on a rock just offshore. With the shark circling and rescue far away, Nancy must use her wits and courage to overcome incredible danger and fight for her survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Shallows 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 Shallows (2016)

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

Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day challenges and societal contexts. The technology used in the film, such as video chatting, indicates that it is set in the current era, grounding the story in reality.

Location

picturesque beach

The movie is set at a stunning beach, known for its beautiful waves and serene environment. This location holds sentimental value for Nancy, as it was a cherished spot of her late mother. The vibrant waters serve as both a paradise and a perilous setting for her harrowing experience.

🏖️ Beach 🌊 Ocean

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Main Characters – The Shallows (2016)

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

Nancy Adams

Nancy is a determined medical student who embarks on a personal retreat to heal emotionally from her loss. Her character showcases bravery and ingenuity as she faces a great white shark. Throughout the ordeal, she embodies resilience and resourcefulness, which allow her to survive against the odds.

👩‍⚕️ Medical Student 🏄‍♀️ Survivor

Carlos

Carlos is a local who provides Nancy with transportation to the beach. While his role is relatively minor, he symbolizes the connection to the homeland and offers Nancy support, even after she becomes isolated in her terrifying ordeal.

🚙 Transporter 👫 Supportive Friend

Chloe

Chloe is Nancy's supportive sister, who remains connected to her throughout the ordeal via video chat. Her character embodies familial love and concern, symbolizing the emotional tether that drives Nancy's will to survive.

👩‍👧 Sister 💖 Support

Brett Cullen

Brett plays the role of Nancy's worried father, reflecting parental concern and love. His acknowledgment of Nancy’s emotional scars highlights the impact of loss on their family dynamics.

👨‍👧 Father 💔 Concerned Parent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Major Themes – The Shallows (2016)

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

🦈 Survival

At its core, the film explores the theme of survival against overwhelming odds. Nancy faces life-threatening challenges and must outsmart a formidable predator while battling physical and emotional pain. Her journey illustrates the resilience of the human spirit even in dire situations.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss permeates the film, with Nancy grappling with the memory of her mother who passed away from cancer. This emotional backdrop adds depth to her struggle, affecting her resolve and making her fight for survival even more poignant.

🌅 Resilience

Resilience is a prominent theme as Nancy confronts her fears and physically challenges herself against nature's ferocity. Her return to the beach a year later represents a triumphant recovery and her determination to move forward with her life, honoring her mother's spirit.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Unlock the Full Story of The Shallows

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

The Shallows Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Shallows, 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 Shallows Summary

The Shallows Timeline

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

The Shallows Timeline

More About The Shallows

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

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