There Will Be Blood

There Will Be Blood

Year: 2007

Runtime: 158 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

DramaThriller

In a 1920s California, ambitious prospector Daniel Plainview and his adopted son H.W. discover oil, leading to immense wealth and power. Their success brings them into conflict with a local preacher, as faith and greed clash in a small town. As Daniel's fortune grows, his relationships deteriorate, revealing the corrosive effects of ambition, deception, and the relentless pursuit of black gold, ultimately exposing the dark side of human nature.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen There Will Be Blood 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 – There Will Be Blood (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of There Will Be Blood (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1898-1927

The film traverses the late 19th century to the late 1920s, a period marked by the American Industrial Revolution and the oil boom. This era saw significant economic growth, territorial expansion, and the exploitation of natural resources. It also highlights social tensions and the moral struggles of individuals amidst the pursuit of wealth.

Location

New Mexico, Los Angeles, Little Boston, California

The movie takes place in various locations, starting with the rugged desert terrain of New Mexico, known for its rich mineral deposits and harsh environment. It then shifts to Los Angeles, a rapidly growing city during the early 1900s, eventually reaching Little Boston, California, a small town that conceals valuable oil beneath its surface. Each place reflects the ambition and greed that fuel the protagonist's journey.

🏜️ Desert 🌆 City 🌄 Small Town 🛢️ Oil

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Main Characters – There Will Be Blood (2007)

Meet the key characters of There Will Be Blood (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Daniel Plainview

Daniel Plainview, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, is an ambitious and ruthless oilman whose relentless pursuit of wealth shapes his moral landscape. Initially a hard-working prospector, his character evolves into a manipulative and violent figure as he navigates the treacherous world of oil drilling. His longing for legacy clashes with his growing isolation and internal conflict.

🏆 Ambitious 🔫 Ruthless 🥃 Alcoholic

H. W.

H. W. is the adopted son of Daniel Plainview, who becomes a deeply affected character as he grapples with the complexities of their relationship. His journey reflects innocence colliding with Daniel's ambition and cruelty. As H. W. grows up, he seeks independence, ultimately rejecting his father's legacy.

👶 Innocent 🚶‍♂️ Independent

Eli Sunday

Eli Sunday is a charismatic pastor and Daniel's rival, representing the intersection of faith and greed. His demeanor hides a complex character driven by ambition and resentment towards Daniel's refusal to cooperate. Their contentious relationship culminates in a violent encounter, emphasizing the clash between religion and capital.

⛪ Faith ⚔️ Rivalry

Henry

Henry, initially presenting as Daniel's half-brother, disrupts Daniel's life and reveals deeper family issues. His presence strains Daniel's already fragile relationships and ultimately triggers a violent confrontation. Henry's fate illustrates the consequences of deceit in pursuit of personal gain.

🔍 Deception ⚖️ Family

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Major Themes – There Will Be Blood (2007)

Explore the central themes of There Will Be Blood (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

Greed pervades the narrative, driving Daniel Plainview's relentless quest for wealth and power. His obsession leads to manipulation, betrayal, and ultimately, violence, showcasing the destructive nature of ambition. The movie reflects how greed can corrupt relationships and moral integrity, leaving devastation in its wake.

💔 Isolation

Isolation is a central theme as Daniel's pursuit of wealth alienates him from his family and the community. Despite his riches, he becomes a recluse, consumed by his own demons. The estrangement from his adopted son H.W. symbolizes the emotional cost of his ambitions, revealing the emptiness that wealth can bring.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Unlock the Full Story of There Will Be Blood

Don't stop at just watching — explore There Will Be Blood 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 There Will Be Blood is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

There Will Be Blood Summary

Read a complete plot summary of There Will Be Blood, 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.

There Will Be Blood Summary

There Will Be Blood Timeline

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

There Will Be Blood Timeline

More About There Will Be Blood

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about There Will Be Blood: 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 There Will Be Blood

Similar Movies to There Will Be Blood

Discover movies like There Will Be Blood that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.