The Vanishing (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The Lighthouse Mystery

In December 1900, investigators stumbled upon an abandoned lighthouse off the west coast of Scotland, which was supposed to be manned by three lighthouse keepers. The mysterious disappearance of James Ducat, Thomas Marshall, and Donald MacArthur sparked intrigue and speculation surrounding their fates.

When

December 1900

Where

Flannan Isles

An Inspiring Poem

The mysterious events of the lighthouse became the inspiration for Wilfrid Wilson Gibson's famous poem, 'Flannan Isle.' This literary work captured the eerie atmosphere surrounding the disappearance and has contributed to the ongoing fascination with the mystery.

Theories of Disappearance

Over the years, numerous theories have arisen about the fate of the lighthouse keepers. Speculations range from murder by pirates, to wild animal attacks, and even extraterrestrial abduction, yet none have provided a satisfying explanation.

A Dark Discovery

After a severe storm, Donald discovers the remnants of a dead man and a small rowboat at the bottom of a deep crevice. This startling discovery initiates a chain of events that unveils a hidden and dangerous truth.

Where

Crevice

A Struggle for Survival

When the young man, played by Connor Swindells, is lowered to investigate, the presumed dead man suddenly comes to life. A fierce struggle ensues, forcing the young man to make a harrowing choice between killing the man or being killed himself.

The Chest of Gold

During the struggle, it is revealed that the man was guarding a small chest containing gold bars. This unexpected treasure introduces greed and violence into the narrative, complicating the survival dynamics among the characters.

New Intruders Arrive

The lure of the gold brings two additional men, portrayed by Soren Malling and Olafur Darri Olafsson, to the island. They are intent on finding the dead man, unaware of the chaos that has already unfolded among the lighthouse caretakers.

Vagueness of Intentions

Throughout the film, the true motivations behind the characters' actions remain ambiguous. The narrative fails to clarify whether the events are driven by crime or psychological turmoil, leaving the viewer in a state of perplexity.

Fishy Conflicts

Tension escalates as character conflicts unfold, with moments of violence that feel disjointed from the storyline. The film attempts to create suspense, but the lack of clarity and direction detracts from the overall experience.

The Turning Point

In a key moment, the character portrayed by Gerard Butler kills the young man, leaving viewers questioning the motivations behind this act of violence. The complexities of survival and human nature take center stage as the characters grapple with betrayal.

Final Betrayals

The tension culminates as the remaining caretakers turn on each other; Peter Mullan’s character holds Gerard Butler's character under the water, leading to his apparent drowning. This climactic moment echoes the film's themes of isolation and madness.

Where

Ocean

An Open Ending

As the film concludes, the fate of Peter Mullan's character remains uncertain, leaving audiences with unresolved questions. The lack of a clear resolution adds to the feeling of ambiguity surrounding the story.

A Missed Opportunity

Despite the compelling source material, the film struggles to deliver a cohesive narrative. The lack of character development and clarity prevents it from reaching its potential, leaving viewers unsatisfied with the overall experience.

The Aftermath

Following the final altercation, the viewer is left pondering the true nature of betrayal and survival in extreme conditions. The film's exploration of psychological quandaries ultimately leads to feelings of bewilderment and disappointment.

Reflections on the Film

The Vanishing, while based on an intriguing mystery, fails to satisfy as a thriller or drama. It leaves audiences reflecting on the choices made by the characters and questioning what could have been if the story had been better executed.