What Lies Beneath

What Lies Beneath

Year: 2000

Runtime: 130 min

Language: Dutch

Director: Robert Zemeckis

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

In the aftermath of her father's passing, a mother's idyllic life unravels as a trail of gruesome events unfolds, threatening to destroy everything she holds dear.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – What Lies Beneath (2000)
Explore the full timeline and setting of What Lies Beneath (2000). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie do not specify a distinct time period, but the modern elements suggest a contemporary setting. The character dynamics and themes of marital strain and personal discovery resonate with themes prevalent in modern psychological thrillers.

Location

Vermont, lakeside retreat, Adamant

The movie is set in a serene lakeside retreat in Vermont, a place known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquility. This idyllic environment serves as a stark contrast to the unfolding turmoil in Claire and Norman's marriage. Additionally, Adamant is mentioned as a locality where important discoveries are made, adding layers to the narrative.

🏞️ Nature 🏠 Home 🏡 Retreat

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Main Characters – What Lies Beneath (2000)
Meet the key characters of What Lies Beneath (2000), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Claire Spencer (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Claire Spencer is a former cellist whose intuitive nature finds her unraveling in the wake of marriage strains and supernatural occurrences. As she confronts her husband's hidden past and the specter of a deceased woman, Claire becomes a determined and obsessive seeker of truth. Her fragility transitions into resilience as she battles against forces that threaten to overwhelm her reality.

🎶 Musician 🕵️‍♀️ Investigator 💔 Vulnerable

Norman (Harrison Ford)

Norman is a distinguished scientist and professor whose charming exterior masks dark secrets. His affair with Madison reveals a man who is both intelligent and desperate, leading him to commit heinous acts to protect his reputation. This duality makes him a complex character, as his initial love for Claire transitions to a chilling need to maintain control at all costs.

🔬 Scholar 🕶️ Deceptive 💔 Unfaithful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

Major Themes – What Lies Beneath (2000)
Explore the central themes of What Lies Beneath (2000), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌊 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme as Claire uncovers the dark secrets hidden in her marriage. Norman's affair with Madison and the lengths he goes to conceal it from Claire illustrate the devastating consequences of secrets. As Claire delves deeper into the truth, the emotional impact of betrayal manifests in her quest for understanding and revenge.

👻 Supernatural

The supernatural plays a significant role in Claire's journey, as she believes she is haunted by the spirit of Mary. This theme explores the intersection of reality and the supernatural, driving Claire’s obsession with uncovering the truths behind the hauntings and how they mirror her internal struggles. The eerie occurrences push Claire to the brink, intertwining her fate with the supernatural.

🌀 Madness

Madness unfolds as Claire’s grasp on reality deteriorates, driven by the haunting and emotional turmoil. The film depicts her descent into psychological chaos, raising questions about sanity and perception. As her reality becomes increasingly unstable, viewers witness how grief and betrayal can warp one’s mental state, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:40

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