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Tomb Raider (2018) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Tomb Raider (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 118 min · English
Echo score 64
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Directed by
Roar Uthaug
Starring
Bernardo Santos, Helena Holmes, Hannah John-Kamen, Walton Goggins, Dominic West, Kristin Scott Thomas
Budget
$94M

A rebellious 21-year-old Lara Croft disobeys her father's wishes and ignores warnings as she begins a dangerous quest to find him. He disappeared while searching for a mythical tomb. Lara's search leads her to a perilous island off the coast of Japan, where she must face numerous obstacles and uncover the truth behind his disappearance and the secrets hidden within the ancient tomb.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Tomb Raider
  8. 8 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Tomb Raider Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Tomb Raider (2018), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander)

    Lara Croft is a determined and resourceful young woman balancing the chaos of her life in London and her quest for her father. Fueled by her love and persistence, she defies her father's warnings, time and again demonstrating bravery in the face of danger. Her transformation from an ordinary bike courier to a fearless adventurer showcases her growth and resilience.

    • 👩‍🦰 Adventurer
    • 💪 Determined
    • 🧩 Resourceful
  • Richard Croft (Dominic West)

    Richard Croft is portrayed as a brilliant archaeologist who mysteriously disappears while searching for the tomb of Himiko. His research and recorded messages drive Lara's journey, revealing the depth of his character through his complex relationship with his daughter. Richard exemplifies the risks tied to knowledge and the burdens of legacy.

    • 🔍 Scholar
    • 👨‍👧 Father
    • 🧠 Complex
  • Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins)

    Mathias Vogel is the cunning leader of the Trinity expedition, characterized by his relentless ambition to acquire Himiko's power. His ruthless approach contrasts sharply with Lara's motivations, making him a formidable adversary. Vogel’s obsession with control highlights the dangers of greed and the lengths some will go to secure power.

    • 💼 Antagonist
    • 🔥 Ambitious
    • ⚔️ Ruthless
  • Lu Ren (Daniel Wu)

    Lu Ren plays a crucial role as Lara's ally and the captain of the Endurance. His own personal stakes, linked to his father's disappearance, boost the emotional depth of the narrative. Lu demonstrates courage and loyalty throughout their perilous journey, aiding Lara in her quest and forming a bond of camaraderie amid danger.

    • 🌊 Ally
    • 😇 Loyal
    • ⚓ Brave

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:25

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Setting

Where and When Does Tomb Raider Take Place?

The setting of Tomb Raider (2018): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, showcasing modern-day challenges and technologies. Despite its present timeline, the narrative delves into ancient history, exploring themes of sacrifice and the consequences of seeking power embedded in Himiko's legend.

Location

London, Yamatai, Devil's Sea

The movie transitions between London, where Lara Croft lives a tumultuous life, and the mythical island of Yamatai, steeped in ancient legends. Yamatai is known as the resting place of Himiko, Japan's first queen, believed to possess dark magic. The treacherous waters of the Devil's Sea surround Yamatai, adding to its perilous allure.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🏝️ Island
  • 🌊 Sea

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:25

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3 major themes

Tomb Raider Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Tomb Raider (2018) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Survival

    Lara Croft embodies the theme of survival, showcasing her resilience amid life-threatening challenges. As she navigates the dangerous island and confronts monstrous adversaries, the essence of perseverance and courage is at the forefront. Her journey reflects the lengths one would go to uncover the truth and protect loved ones.

  • Discovery

    The quest for discovery drives the narrative as Lara embarks on a journey to find her father and unravel ancient secrets. Fueled by curiosity, she challenges her fears to explore the depths of Himiko's tomb. This theme highlights the importance of knowledge and the dangers that can accompany the pursuit of truth.

  • Loss

    The film poignantly explores the theme of loss, particularly through Lara's connection with her missing father. The emotional weight of her father's absence influences Lara's actions and determination, leading her to confront painful truths about heritage and legacy. Ultimately, the sacrifices made for family reflect a deeper understanding of loss.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:25

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Character & theme questions

Tomb Raider Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Tomb Raider (2018): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The movie takes place in two primary locations: modern-day London, where Lara Croft lives a tumultuous life working as a bike courier, and the mythical island of Yamatai off the coast of Japan. Yamatai is known as the resting place of Himiko, Japan's first queen, and is surrounded by the treacherous waters of the Devil's Sea.

  • london
  • yamatai
  • island
  • setting
  • locations
  • devil's sea
Q2

What is Yamatai and why is it important?

Yamatai is a mythical island in the film, historically known as the resting place of Himiko, Japan's first queen who was believed to possess dark magic. The island is surrounded by the dangerous waters of the Devil's Sea, making it treacherous to reach. Its significance stems from the ancient legend that Himiko's tomb contains powerful supernatural forces.

  • yamatai
  • himiko
  • island
  • queen
  • legend
  • tomb
  • japan
Q3

What time period does the film take place in?

The film is set in contemporary times, showcasing modern-day London and present-day technology. However, the narrative heavily explores ancient history through Himiko's legend and the historical significance of the tomb, contrasting the modern world with ancient mysteries.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • time period
  • era
  • timeline
Q4

What are the main themes in the movie?

The film explores three central themes: Survival, as Lara faces life-threatening challenges on the dangerous island; Discovery, driven by her quest to find her father and uncover ancient secrets; and Loss, particularly the emotional weight of her missing father and what it means for her understanding of family legacy.

  • themes
  • survival
  • discovery
  • loss
  • sacrifice
  • meaning
Q5

Who is Lara Croft in the film?

Lara Croft is a 21-year-old determined and resourceful young woman living in London who works as a bike courier while resisting her wealthy family's legacy. Fueled by love for her missing father, she defies his warnings and transforms from an ordinary young woman into a fearless adventurer as she searches for him on the mythical island of Yamatai.

  • lara croft
  • protagonist
  • character
  • adventurer
  • hero
Q6

Who is Richard Croft?

Richard Croft is Lara's father, portrayed as a brilliant archaeologist who disappeared while searching for the tomb of Himiko. His research and recorded messages drive Lara's journey, revealing his complex relationship with his daughter and the burdens he carried due to his obsession with uncovering ancient secrets.

  • richard croft
  • father
  • archaeologist
  • Missing person
  • parent
Q7

Who is Mathias Vogel and what does he want?

Mathias Vogel is the cunning leader of a Trinity expedition who serves as the film's main antagonist. He is characterized by relentless ambition to acquire Himiko's supernatural power, using ruthless tactics that contrast sharply with Lara's motivations. His obsession with control and power represents the dangers of greed.

  • mathias vogel
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • trinity
  • enemy
  • adversary
Q8

Who is Lu Ren and what role does he play?

Lu Ren is a crucial ally to Lara and serves as the captain of the Endurance ship. He has personal stakes in the mission due to his own father's disappearance, which adds emotional depth to the narrative. Throughout the journey, he demonstrates courage and loyalty, forming a strong bond with Lara amid their dangerous quest.

  • lu ren
  • ally
  • captain
  • endurance
  • friend
  • companion
Q9

What is Trinity in the story?

Trinity is a mysterious organization led by Mathias Vogel that conducts expeditions to acquire ancient power. The organization represents a shadowy, conspiratorial force embedded within the world of archaeology and power-seeking. Their infiltration of Croft Holdings adds a layer of conspiracy beyond the straightforward tomb-raiding plot.

  • trinity
  • organization
  • secret society
  • conspiracy
  • power
Q10

What does the film say about family and loss?

The film explores loss as a central emotional force through Lara's relationship with her missing father. Her journey is driven by the need to uncover the truth about his disappearance, which leads her to confront painful realities about her family's heritage and legacy. The sacrifices made for family reflect a deeper understanding of what it means to lose someone while also finding one's own identity.

  • family
  • loss
  • father
  • grief
  • legacy
  • heritage
  • sacrifice
Q11

How does the island setting contribute to the story?

The island of Yamatai serves as both a physical and symbolic challenge for Lara. Its ancient legends, dangerous terrain, and supernatural elements create high stakes that test her survival skills and determination. The isolation and mystery of the island amplify the film's themes of discovery and the dangers of seeking forbidden knowledge.

  • island setting
  • yamatai
  • environment
  • obstacles
  • tomb
  • danger

Movie threads

More Movies Like Tomb Raider, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Tomb Raider tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Survivalist Action Archeology movies like Tomb Raider

High-stakes adventures where survival hinges on unlocking ancient secrets. If you liked the blend of survival action and ancient mystery in Tomb Raider, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature determined heroes on perilous treasure hunts, facing deadly traps and ruthless enemies in a race for powerful artifacts.

  • perilous
  • action-packed
  • suspenseful
  • urgent
  • gritty
  • determined
  • Tone: tense, gritty
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a resourceful protagonist, often an outsider or reluctant hero, who embarks on a dangerous quest for a legendary object or location. The journey is a gauntlet of physical challenges, environmental hazards, and confrontations with a shadowy rival organization, forcing the hero to rely on wits and grit to survive and succeed.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on blending survival action with archeological mystery. They create a specific vibe of urgent discovery, where the thrill of uncovering history is matched by the constant threat of immediate physical danger.

Legacy-Driven Action Thrillers similar to Tomb Raider

Personal quests turn into high-stakes conspiracies rooted in family history. Fans of Tomb Raider's story of Lara Croft uncovering her father's dangerous secrets will find similar themes here. These movies feature protagonists on a mission driven by family legacy, leading to action-packed conspiracies and bittersweet revelations.

  • conspiratorial
  • driven
  • tense
  • personal
  • urgent
  • revealing
  • Tone: tense, personal
  • Pacing: fast, driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The story often starts with the death or disappearance of a parental figure, leaving behind cryptic clues. The protagonist's investigation reveals a much larger, often global, conspiracy that their family was secretly involved in. The journey is both an external action conflict and an internal coming-of-age, as the hero must step into a role they never asked for.

Why they belong together: This thread connects movies that share a specific narrative engine: a personal, family-focused mystery that catalyzes a large-scale action plot. The emotional core of uncovering a parental legacy is consistently paired with high-intensity thrills and a tense, urgent pace.

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Movies Like Tomb Raider

Similar movies to Tomb Raider: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Tomb Raider (2018) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Tomb Raider in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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