The Weight of Water

The Weight of Water

Year: 2002

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

MysteryThriller

A blind man navigates the dangerous white-water rapids, a journey that forces him to confront the emotional darkness he’s long struggled with. Facing the constant threat of drowning, he seeks freedom and a deeper understanding of himself, battling both the physical challenge and his internal demons along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Weight of Water (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Weight of Water (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th century, Present day

The late 19th century was a time marked by immigration and settlement, particularly among Norwegian communities in America, which significantly shaped the social landscape of places like Smuttynose Island. Fast-forwarding to the present, the story reflects on how history continues to resonate through the lives of those seeking to uncover the past.

Location

Smuttynose Island, New Hampshire

Smuttynose Island is a secluded location off the coast of New Hampshire, known for its haunting history tied to a gruesome double murder in the late 19th century. The island, with its rugged landscape and isolation, becomes a backdrop for personal and historical narratives, fostering an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.

🏝️ Island 🇺🇸 United States

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:27

Main Characters – The Weight of Water (2002)

Meet the key characters of The Weight of Water (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maren Hontvedt

Maren is a complex character grappling with loneliness and her tumultuous emotions amid tragic events. The weight of her past actions burdens her, as she desperately seeks validation and connection in a world where she feels isolated. Her inner turmoil and conflicting desires ultimately lead her into a spiral of despair.

👩‍🦰 Protagonist 😢 Despair 🏴‍☠️ Survivor

Jean Janes

Jean is a determined journalist, pursuing the truth of the Smuttynose Island murders. Her investigations not only reflect her professional drive but also reveal her personal insecurities, particularly regarding her relationship with her husband. Jean's journey is fraught with emotional challenges as she uncovers the layers of history.

📰 Journalist 💔 Insecure 🔍 Investigator

Thomas

Thomas is an esteemed poet and Jean's husband, who serves as a source of support but also a point of contention in Jean's investigation. His presence complicates Jean's feelings as she grapples with her insecurities, especially with the dynamics surrounding his brother and Adaline.

🖋️ Poet 🔗 Supportive ⚖️ Complicated

Adaline

Adaline is Rich's romantic partner, whose flirtatious behavior with Thomas strains Jean's emotional state. Her character embodies the theme of desire and competition, as her presence intensifies the insecurities already felt by Jean.

❤️ Love Interest 😏 Flirtatious 💔 Rival

Louis Wagner

Louis Wagner is the convicted perpetrator of the double murder on Smuttynose Island, representing the consequences of violence and the quest for justice. His character's fate serves as a contrasting element to Maren's narrative, as he becomes an unsettling reminder of the tragic past.

⚖️ Villain 🏴‍☠️ Criminal ⚰️ Fate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:27

Major Themes – The Weight of Water (2002)

Explore the central themes of The Weight of Water (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Murder

The theme of murder is central to the plot, woven through both the historical account of the double homicide and its impact on the surviving characters. This theme explores the causes and consequences of violent acts, diving deep into human emotions and the complexity of motivations that lead to tragedy.

❤️ Desire

Desire plays a crucial role in character relationships, particularly between Maren and Anethe. This theme reveals the nuances of unfulfilled romantic connections and how one's emotional yearning can lead to devastating decisions.

📜 Truth

The quest for truth is a prominent theme, as Jean Janes strives to uncover the mysteries of the past. The historical testimony of Maren also highlights the struggles faced when seeking justice and the complexities involved in relaying the truth, especially when it challenges perception.

🌊 Isolation

Isolation affects the characters profoundly, especially Maren, who finds herself alone amidst the emotional turmoil and physical seclusion of Smuttynose Island. This theme illustrates how isolation breeds despair and the desperate actions that can emerge from loneliness.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:27

Unlock the Full Story of The Weight of Water

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

The Weight of Water Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Weight of Water, 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 Weight of Water Summary

The Weight of Water Timeline

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

The Weight of Water Timeline

More About The Weight of Water

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Weight of Water: 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 Weight of Water

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