There Will Be Blood

Main Plot

"There Will Be Blood," directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is a gripping narrative set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the complexities of capitalism and ambition. The film follows Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman, as he embarks on a relentless pursuit to acquire oil-rich land and expand his empire. His journey takes him to a small, struggling town in California, where he presents himself as a family man and a benefactor to the local community, promising to extract oil in a way that would benefit all. As Daniel's wealth grows, so does his obsession with power, leading him to manipulate, betray, and even commit acts of violence to secure his position. His relationships, particularly with his adopted son and a local preacher, become increasingly strained and hostile. The film explores themes of greed, corruption, religion, and the corrupting influence of power. "There Will Be Blood" is a stark portrayal of a man consumed by his ambitions, ultimately isolating himself in his quest for dominance.

Characters

• Daniel Day-Lewis plays Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman who manipulates and exploits those around him to achieve immense wealth and power in early 20th-century California.
• Paul Dano plays Eli Sunday, a charismatic preacher who clashes with an oilman over faith, power, and land in early 20th-century California.
• Ciarán Hinds plays Fletcher Hamilton, Daniel Plainview's right-hand man and business partner, assisting in oil drilling operations and negotiations.

Ending Explained

In the climactic ending of "There Will Be Blood," Daniel Plainview, a ruthless oilman, confronts Eli Sunday, a preacher from a family whose land Daniel had purchased to extract oil. The scene is set years after their initial dealings, in a private bowling alley in Daniel's mansion. Eli, now struggling and in need of money, approaches Daniel to sell the oil rights of his remaining family land. However, Daniel reveals that the land is already drained of oil through his existing wells, rendering the deal worthless. The confrontation escalates as Daniel berates and humiliates Eli, forcing him to denounce his faith and admit he is a false prophet. The scene culminates in Daniel violently killing Eli with a bowling pin after Eli tries to leave. Daniel declares, "I'm finished," signaling not only the end of the confrontation but also highlighting his complete moral and emotional degradation. The conclusion underscores the themes of greed, power, and religion. Daniel achieves material success at the cost of his humanity, embodying the corrupting influence of extreme ambition. Eli, who also manipulates religion for personal gain, meets a tragic demise, illustrating the destructive consequences of their flawed pursuits. The film ends with Daniel isolated and monstrous, a powerful yet pitiful figure.