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Uncharted (2022) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Uncharted (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 116 min · English
Echo score 51
Directed by
Ruben Fleischer
Starring
Mark Wahlberg, Tom Holland, Antonio Banderas, Jesús Evita, Patricia Meeden, Pingi Moli
Budget
$120M

A charismatic treasure hunter, Nathan Drake, joins forces with his mentor, Victor "Sully" Sullivan, on a perilous quest to find a legendary fortune hidden by Ferdinand Magellan. Their journey takes them across dangerous landscapes as they race against formidable adversaries, all while uncovering clues to a centuries-old mystery. Along the way, Nate confronts secrets about his own history and the pair must overcome personal conflicts to claim the massive prize and the truth it holds.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Characters explained (4)
  2. 2 Where & when it takes place
  3. 3 Themes & meaning (3)
  4. 4 Character & meaning questions
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Uncharted
  7. 7 Every angle

4 main characters · contains spoilers

Uncharted Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Uncharted (2022), 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.

  • Nathan "Nate" Drake

    played by Tom Holland

    Nate is a clever, agile protagonist with a knack for pickpocketing and an insatiable thirst for adventure. He is driven by a desire to find his brother and uncover their family's secrets. With a courageous spirit, Nate often finds himself in the midst of thrilling escapades, showcasing both charm and determination.

    • 🧑 Hero
    • 🔍 Explorer
    • 🌟 Resourceful
  • Victor "Sully" Sullivan

    played by Mark Wahlberg

    Sully is a seasoned, wise mentor figure with a shady past in treasure hunting. His confidence and experience offer Nate guidance, yet he keeps some secrets of his own. Balancing humor and grit, Sully proves himself essential to their mission, though his true motivations sometimes come into question.

    • 👴 Mentor
    • 🤝 Ally
    • 💼 Adventurer
  • Santiago Moncada

    played by Antonio Banderas

    Santiago is the last heir of the Moncada family, driven by greed and ambition to reclaim his family's lost fortune. His cunning nature makes him a formidable opponent as he pursues Nate and Sully. Moncada's ruthless actions reveal his willingness to cross any line for wealth, showcasing the darker side of treasure hunting.

    • 💰 Antagonist
    • 😈 Greed
    • ⚔️ Threat
  • Jo Braddock

    played by Tati Gabrielle

    Jo is a fierce and relentless mercenary working for Moncada, characterized by her combat skills and strategic mindset. Her ruthlessness in battle presents a significant challenge for Nate and Sully. Braddock's cunning and strength position her as a fierce adversary in their treasure-seeking escapades.

    • 💪 Mercenary
    • 🐍 Clever
    • ⚔️ Adversary

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:48

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Setting

Where and When Does Uncharted Take Place?

The setting of Uncharted (2022): 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

Present day

The events of 'Uncharted' are set in the modern era, where modern technology and historical pursuits intersect. This period is characterized by a resurgence in treasure hunting influenced by historical explorations and adventures reminiscent of past legends. The story's timeline balances Nate's childhood memories with contemporary escapades, creating a vibrant narrative context.

Location

Boston, New York City, Barcelona, Philippines

The movie unfolds across various dynamic locations starting in Boston, where Nate and Sam pursue a mystical map. New York City serves as a bustling backdrop for Nate's life as a bartender and pickpocket. Barcelona showcases rich history and treasure-seeking excitement as the duo further investigates the legendary Magellan treasure. The Philippines represents the culmination of their quest, believed to hide the lost wealth of Magellan's crew.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🌍 Adventure
  • ⚓ Coastal

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:48

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3 major themes

Uncharted Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Uncharted (2022) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Treasure and Adventure

    The pursuit of treasure is central to the plot, driving Nate and Sully's actions as they embark on a globe-trotting adventure. This theme of adventure is not just about the riches but also about the bonds of brotherhood and loyalty that are tested along the way. The search for the hidden treasure of Magellan provides a thrilling backdrop for exploring deeper relationships between characters.

  • Family and Betrayal

    The complexities of family relationships are explored through Nate's quest to find his long-lost brother, Sam. Betrayal plays a significant role, particularly with Chloe's dual allegiance adding tension to their quest. This theme intertwines personal stakes with the adventure, highlighting how trust can be as valuable as the treasure they seek.

  • Action and Conflict

    The film is permeated by action-packed sequences and intense conflict, showcasing the struggles Nate and Sully face against formidable adversaries. The dynamic action sequences, from heists to aerial battles, emphasize the high stakes involved in the treasure hunt. Each conflict is pivotal, revealing character traits and propelling the narrative forward.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:48

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Character & theme questions

Uncharted Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Uncharted (2022): 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 does Uncharted take place?

Uncharted unfolds across several global locations. The story begins in Boston where Nate and Sam discover a mystical map, moves through New York City as Nate's home base as a bartender and pickpocket, continues to Barcelona for treasure-hunting investigation, and culminates in the Philippines where the legendary Magellan treasure is hidden.

  • locations
  • boston
  • new york
  • barcelona
  • philippines
  • setting
  • places
Q2

What time period is Uncharted set in?

Uncharted is set in the present day, featuring modern technology and contemporary settings. The story balances Nate's childhood memories with his present-day adventures, blending historical treasure-hunting elements with modern-day pursuits.

  • time period
  • modern era
  • present day
  • setting
  • contemporary
Q3

Who is Nathan Drake?

Nathan 'Nate' Drake is the charismatic protagonist of Uncharted, played by Tom Holland. He is a clever, agile treasure hunter with exceptional pickpocketing skills, driven by a deep desire to find his long-lost brother Sam and uncover his family's secrets. Nate possesses a courageous spirit and insatiable thirst for adventure.

  • nathan drake
  • nate
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • tom holland
  • hero
Q4

Who is Victor 'Sully' Sullivan?

Victor 'Sully' Sullivan, played by Mark Wahlberg, is Nate's mentor and seasoned treasure-hunting partner with a shady past. He provides guidance and experience essential to their mission, balancing humor with grit. Sully keeps some secrets of his own, and his true motivations sometimes come into question throughout the adventure.

  • victor sully
  • sullivan
  • mentor
  • mark wahlberg
  • partner
  • guide
Q5

Who is Santiago Moncada?

Santiago Moncada, played by Antonio Banderas, is the last heir of the Moncada family and serves as the main antagonist. He is driven by greed and ambition to reclaim his family's lost fortune. Moncada is cunning and ruthless, willing to cross any line for wealth, representing the darker side of treasure hunting.

  • santiago moncada
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • antonio bidderas
  • moncada family
  • rival
Q6

Who is Jo Braddock?

Jo Braddock, played by Tati Gabrielle, is a fierce mercenary working for Santiago Moncada. She is characterized by exceptional combat skills and a strategic mindset. Her ruthlessness in battle makes her a formidable adversary who poses significant challenges for Nate and Sully throughout their treasure hunt.

  • jo braddock
  • mercenary
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • tati gabrielle
  • enemy
Q7

What is the main theme of Uncharted?

The central theme of Uncharted is the pursuit of treasure and adventure, which drives the characters across their globe-trotting quest. However, the film explores this theme beyond mere riches, focusing on the bonds of brotherhood and loyalty that are tested along the way. The treasure hunt serves as a thrilling backdrop for exploring deeper relationships between characters.

  • theme
  • themes
  • adventure
  • treasure
  • brotherhood
  • loyalty
  • story meaning
Q8

How does family and betrayal feature in Uncharted?

Family and betrayal are central themes in Uncharted, primarily explored through Nate's quest to find his long-lost brother Sam. Betrayal plays a significant role throughout the film, particularly with characters like Chloe whose dual allegiance creates tension. These themes intertwine personal stakes with the adventure, highlighting how trust can be as valuable as the treasure they seek.

  • family
  • betrayal
  • brother
  • trust
  • sam drake
  • relationships
  • chloe frazier
Q9

What kind of movie is Uncharted?

Uncharted is an action-adventure film based on the popular video game series. The movie features intense action sequences, high-stakes treasure hunting, and a globe-trotting quest. It combines dynamic fight scenes, heists, and aerial battles with themes of loyalty, family, and the thrill of discovery.

  • genre
  • action
  • adventure
  • video game adaptation
  • film type
  • movie style
Q10

What motivates Nathan Drake in Uncharted?

Nathan Drake is primarily motivated by his desire to find his long-lost brother Sam and uncover his family's secrets. This personal quest drives him into the world of treasure hunting. His thirst for adventure and the thrill of discovery complement his deeper emotional motivation to reconnect with his past and understand his family's history.

  • motivation
  • desire
  • brother sam
  • family secrets
  • goal
  • character drive
Q11

Why is Sully an important character?

Sully serves as Nate's mentor and guide in the treasure-hunting world, offering his years of experience and knowledge. Despite his shady past, he becomes an essential ally and father figure to Nate. His character adds both comic relief and dramatic tension, as his true motivations remain ambiguous, creating layers of trust and betrayal throughout the story.

  • sully importance
  • mentor role
  • character significance
  • supporting character
  • victor sullivan

Movie threads

More Movies Like Uncharted, by Mood & Story

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

Treasure Hunt Movies Like Uncharted

Racing against rivals to find a legendary fortune while solving ancient puzzles. If you enjoyed the high-stakes treasure hunting in Uncharted, you'll love these movies. They feature similar adventures with historical mysteries, dangerous rivals, and globe-trotting action. Find more films with cryptic puzzles, exotic locations, and races for unimaginable wealth.

  • adventurous
  • suspenseful
  • action-packed
  • treacherous
  • unpredictable
  • hopeful
  • Tone: tense, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically follow a linear quest structure, beginning with the discovery of a historical secret. The protagonists must solve a series of puzzles and overcome physical obstacles, all while navigating betrayals from allies and attacks from a rival faction obsessed with the same goal. The journey is as important as the destination, often revealing personal truths about the heroes.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared core premise of a perilous search for a legendary artifact or fortune. They create a cohesive experience through fast pacing, high intensity action sequences, and a central theme of historical mystery driving the plot forward against formidable opposition.

Action Movies with Found Family Like Uncharted

Rogues and loners forming bonds amid chaotic danger and personal stakes. Looking for more movies like Uncharted that blend explosive action with heartfelt character connections? This list features films where rivalries turn to loyalty and solo operators find their crew. Discover stories where the biggest treasure isn't gold, but the family you find along the way.

  • action-packed
  • hopeful
  • tense
  • nostalgic
  • emotional
  • suspenseful
  • Tone: tense, bittersweet
  • Pacing: fast, driving
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often a loner or haunted by a personal quest, being forced into a partnership. Initial distrust and conflict give way to reliance and camaraderie as they face extreme danger together. The emotional arc centers on the characters choosing connection over individual gain, culminating in a bittersweet victory that solidifies their bond.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their unique blend of relentless, high-intensity action with a strongly emotional, character-driven core. The similarity lies in the balance between spectacular set-pieces and the developing relationship between the main characters, who provide the story's heart and emotional weight.

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Movies Like Uncharted

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

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Uncharted (2022) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Uncharted 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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