Under the Boardwalk (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place beneath a New Jersey beach boardwalk, where a community of land hermit crabs lives in the sandy depths below. Sea crabs visit from the ocean to vacation on land, creating a divided microcosm where the two groups coexist in tension. The boardwalk and shoreline serve as the backdrop for the crabs' social rivalry and eventual cooperation.

• new jersey boardwalk setting
• crab community
• beach setting
• land crabs
• sea crabs

Under the Boardwalk is set in the present day, in a contemporary coastal town along the New Jersey shore. The modern setting grounds the timeless themes of courage, love, and belonging in a familiar waterfront world where human elements like collectors and pet shops interact with crab society.

• present day
• modern setting
• contemporary
• new jersey shore

The film explores courage through Armen, a timid land crab haunted by his parents' death who musters the strength to act for others as the community conflict escalates. His journey shows that heroism comes in many forms, and his small acts of bravery ultimately shift the community's view of what a hero looks like.

• courage
• bravery
• heroism
• overcoming fear
• Armen character

Armen and Ramona's relationship crosses species boundaries and social expectations, showing how love can bridge fear and prejudice. Ramona contends with her mother Val's perfectionism while seeking independence, and their bond demonstrates that belonging can be found in unlikely partnerships, motivating personal growth for both characters.

• love
• belonging
• romance
• relationship
• acceptance
• cross-species

The land and sea crabs' feud intensifies throughout the film, driven by Mako's manipulation, but Armen and Ramona's journey refocuses the conflict on shared needs and care. When Mako's deception is exposed, the crabs learn to see past stereotypes. The finale shows the community choosing collaboration over rivalry to protect their home.

• unity
• reconciliation
• peace
• cooperation
• community
• conflict resolution

Armen is a timid land crab who mostly keeps to his rotting shell, haunted by memories of his parents' death. His shell hosts Anemone, a lively organism who reminds him there is life beyond fear. Through his journey, Armen learns to step out, face danger, and protect those he cares about, especially Ramona.

• Armen
• main character
• land crab
• protagonist
• timid crab

Ramona is a confident sea crab who visits the land and forms an instant connection with Armen. She grapples with her overbearing mother Val's expectations while seeking independence. Her bravery during crises helps Armen grow and demonstrates that love can bridge species divides.

• Ramona
• sea crab
• female lead
• love interest
• independent

Mako is an arrogant sea crab who initiates the conflict with Armen, spreading distrust and leading a gang. He lies about Armen attempting to steal Ramona and vows revenge after losing control of the situation. His presence drives the feud until truth and courage begin to overturn his influence.

• Mako
• antagonist
• villain
• sea crab
• conflict driver

Val is Ramona's overbearing mother who presses for perfection and control. Her dynamic with Ramona highlights the pressures of parental expectations within a close family unit, showing the tension between a parent's ambitions and a child's need for independence.

• Val
• Ramona's mother
• parental expectations
• family tension
• overbearing mother

The land crabs and sea crabs exist in a tense, divided relationship beneath the New Jersey boardwalk. The sea crabs vacation on land while the land crabs remain in their community below, creating social rivalry that Mako exploits. The conflict represents broader themes of prejudice and stereotyping that the film ultimately addresses through unity.

• land crabs
• sea crabs
• species conflict
• rivalry
• prejudice
• divided community

Shelly is Ramona's deaf sister who embodies resilience and hope as she searches for Ramona throughout the film. Her perspective emphasizes family ties and the importance of communication within a tight-knit community, adding depth to the film's exploration of belonging.

• Shelly
• deaf character
• sister
• family
• communication
• resilience