A Bigger Splash

Main Plot

"A Bigger Splash," directed by Luca Guadagnino, centers on rock star Marianne Lane, who is recovering from throat surgery on the idyllic Italian island of Pantelleria with her partner, Paul. Their tranquil retreat is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Marianne's former lover and music producer, Harry, along with his daughter, Penelope. Harry's boisterous personality and unresolved feelings for Marianne create tension and jealousy, leading to a complex web of emotional entanglements. As the four characters navigate their intertwined relationships, underlying secrets and desires surface, culminating in a series of dramatic and unforeseen events. The film explores themes of passion, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of stunning Mediterranean scenery.

Characters

• Tilda Swinton plays Marianne Lane, a rock star recovering from surgery whose peaceful vacation is disrupted by the arrival of her ex-lover and his daughter.
• Matthias Schoenaerts plays Paul De Smedt, a filmmaker recovering from throat surgery, whose peaceful vacation is disrupted by the arrival of an old friend and her daughter.
• Ralph Fiennes plays Harry Hawkes, a music producer who disrupts the vacation of his ex-lover and her new partner, leading to emotional and dramatic tensions.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Luca Guadagnino's film "A Bigger Splash," the narrative reaches a tense and dramatic climax. Marianne Lane, a famous rock star recovering from throat surgery, and her partner Paul De Smedt, are vacationing on the Italian island of Pantelleria. Their tranquility is disrupted by the arrival of Marianne's former lover, Harry Hawkes, and his daughter, Penelope. The tension between the characters escalates, culminating in a violent confrontation. Harry, who has been trying to rekindle his romance with Marianne and sow discord between her and Paul, ends up in a physical altercation with Paul. In a moment of intense struggle, Paul accidentally kills Harry. The incident is initially covered up, with the local police investigating Harry's death. In the final scenes, the police seem to be closing in on the truth, but ultimately, they decide to let Marianne and Paul go, influenced by Marianne's celebrity status and the desire to avoid scandal. The film ends with Marianne and Paul leaving the island, their relationship strained but intact, as they face an uncertain future together.