The Vanishing

The Vanishing

Year: 2019

Runtime: 107 min

Language: Hebrew

Director: Kristoffer Nyholm

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

As dusk settles over Tel Aviv, eighteen-year-old Shlomi embarks on a desperate search for truth and redemption. Having escaped the conflict in Gaza, he seeks refuge with his girlfriend, but finds himself caught in a tense pursuit by the IDF. Over the course of a harrowing twenty-four hours, he confronts danger, grapples with his identity, and searches for hope and romance in a city on edge.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Vanishing (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Vanishing (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

December 1900

The events of December 1900 were marked by maritime mystery and folklore, particularly surrounding the Flannan Isle lighthouse. This period was characterized by harsh weather conditions and the dangers faced by lighthouse keepers on isolated islands. The unexplained disappearance of the three men remains a notable unsolved case in Scottish maritime history.

Location

Flannan Isle, Scotland

Flannan Isle is an isolated island off the west coast of Scotland, known for its iconic lighthouse. The island is shrouded in mystery due to the unexplained disappearance of its lighthouse keepers in 1900, which has inspired various artistic interpretations. It is a place associated with dramatic sea storms and folklore, making it a captivating setting for tales of adventure and intrigue.

🏝️ Island ⚓ Lighthouse

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – The Vanishing (2019)

Meet the key characters of The Vanishing (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

James Ducat (Gerard Butler)

James Ducat is one of the lighthouse keepers, portrayed as a complex character facing moral dilemmas throughout the film. He is depicted as conflicted and ultimately driven to violence, providing depth to the themes of desperation and survival. Ducat's actions illustrate the darker impulses that arise under extreme circumstances.

🏴‍☠️ Conflict 🌊 Isolation 🔒 Survival

Donald MacArthur (Connor Swindells)

Donald MacArthur is depicted as a young, vulnerable character who finds himself in a life-or-death struggle. His journey illustrates the harsh realities of survival against overwhelming odds. The tension surrounding his character develops through his desperate actions, ultimately leading to tragedy.

⚔️ Violence 😢 Vulnerability 🏝️ Mystery

Thomas Marshall (Peter Mullan)

Thomas Marshall serves as another lighthouse keeper whose actions contribute to the film's central conflicts. His character reflects the themes of loyalty and betrayal as the situation escalates among the trio. Marshall's decisions lead to critical moments that influence the story's tragic course.

🌀 Conflict ❓ Intrigue 💔 Betrayal

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – The Vanishing (2019)

Explore the central themes of The Vanishing (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Mystery

Mystery plays a central role in 'The Vanishing,' as it explores the unanswered questions surrounding the disappearance of the lighthouse keepers. The film delves into the ambiguities of human actions and motivations, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. The theme of mystery contributes to the film's tension as it withholds clarity on what truly happened on the island.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict drives the narrative of the film, showcasing the struggles between the characters both internally and externally. The violent confrontation over the hidden treasure escalates the tension, leading to devastating consequences. This theme reflects the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths individuals will go to in order to protect their interests.

🌊 Isolation

Isolation is a prominent theme in the movie, represented by the remote setting of Flannan Isle. The physical separation from the mainland heightens the emotional and psychological tension among the characters. Their physical isolation mirrors their internal struggles, amplifying the sense of desperation and helplessness experienced throughout the film.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Unlock the Full Story of The Vanishing

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

The Vanishing Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Vanishing, 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 Vanishing Summary

The Vanishing Timeline

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

The Vanishing Timeline

More About The Vanishing

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

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