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 – The Shallows (2016)

Trace every key event in The Shallows (2016) 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

Nancy's Retreat

Nancy Adams, portrayed by Blake Lively, travels to a beautiful beach for a personal retreat to honor her late mother. This beach held special memories for her mother, who suffered from cancer.

Present Day Beach
2

Trepidation Alone

Originally planning to share the experience with her friend Anna, Nancy's plans change when Anna falls ill. Left to venture alone, Nancy faces her journey with mixed feelings of anticipation and solitude.

3

Surfing with Locals

Upon arriving, Nancy eagerly joins a group of local surfers who recognize her as a newcomer. She relishes the fresh waves and the vibrant atmosphere of the picturesque beach.

Beach
4

Video Chat with Chloe

Nancy connects with her sister, Chloe, through a video chat, expressing her excitement about the beach. Their father expresses concern for Nancy while acknowledging the emotional weight she carries.

5

Shark Attack

While surfing further out, Nancy encounters a terrifying incident when a great white shark strikes her. The attack sends her crashing into the water, severely injuring her leg.

Ocean
6

Lifeline on the Rock

Desperate for safety, Nancy manages to reach a nearby rock where she creates a makeshift tourniquet with her surfboard's ankle strap. With no immediate help in sight, she tries to signal other surfers.

Rock
7

A Fatal Witness

As Nancy calls for help, she horrifies as she sees the shark attack an intoxicated man on the beach. This heartbreaking incident deepens her sense of isolation and desperation.

Beach
8

Surviving the Night

Facing the cold and pain through the night, Nancy struggles to stay awake and even attempts to stitch her leg using her jewelry. Her situation grows increasingly dire as time passes.

Ocean
9

Morning's False Hope

With morning's arrival, Nancy sees the two surfers returning, and she desperately tries to warn them about the shark's presence. Tragically, both surfers fall victim to the predator.

Morning Ocean
10

Desperate Attempt

Realizing the need for survival, Nancy risks a swim to retrieve a helmet left in the water. Amidst the chaos, she captures a message for her family, holding onto a flicker of hope.

Ocean
11

Tether of Hope

In a moment of ingenuity, Nancy repairs the wing of an injured seagull, watching it float away. This moment symbolizes her last tether to hope in her dire situation.

Beach
12

Strategizing Escape

Spotting a buoy in the distance, Nancy formulates a plan to reach safety while avoiding the shark. The tension builds as she prepares for a challenging battle for her life.

Ocean
13

The Shark Trap

Nancy cleverly lures the shark into a trap, leading to the creature being impaled on a submerged base. This pivotal moment turns the tide in her favor, giving her a chance for survival.

Ocean
14

Rescue

A young boy inadvertently discovers Nancy's video message on the helmet, prompting his father, Carlos, to search for her. This fortuitous event leads to Nancy's eventual rescue.

Beach
15

A Year Later

One year after her harrowing experience, Nancy returns to the beach with her sister Chloe and father. With a noticeable scar serving as a reminder, she embraces her resilience and passion for surfing.

One Year Later Beach

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 12:28

Unlock the Full Story of The Shallows

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Shallows

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Shallows. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Shallows

More About The Shallows

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More About The Shallows

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