There Will Be Blood

Main Plot

There Will Be Blood follows the ambitious and ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview as he seeks to build his fortune in the early 20th century California oil boom. The story begins with Plainview's humble beginnings as a silver miner, but he quickly shifts his focus to oil drilling. As he acquires land and establishes his business, he faces various challenges, including competition, personal betrayal, and the complexities of family relationships. Plainview's relentless pursuit of wealth leads him to manipulate and exploit those around him, including local landowners and his own adopted son. The film explores themes of ambition, greed, and the moral decay that accompanies the pursuit of power, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America. As Plainview's empire grows, so does his isolation and obsession, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation with his own demons.

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 ending of There Will Be Blood, the intense rivalry between Daniel Plainview and Eli Sunday reaches a dramatic climax. After years of conflict over oil and power, Daniel confronts Eli in a private bowling alley. This confrontation is fueled by their longstanding animosity, stemming from Eli's attempts to manipulate Daniel for his own gain. During this encounter, Daniel reveals his true nature, dismissing Eli's religious fervor and asserting his dominance. He brutally attacks Eli, symbolizing the complete destruction of their relationship and Eli's influence over Daniel. This moment encapsulates the film's themes of greed, ambition, and moral decay, showcasing how Daniel's relentless pursuit of wealth has led to his isolation and moral bankruptcy. The film concludes with Daniel's chilling declaration that he has abandoned any semblance of humanity, stating, "I’m finished." This line signifies not only his personal downfall but also the emptiness that accompanies his success. The final scene, where Daniel is left alone in his mansion, reflects the ultimate cost of his ambition—wealth without fulfillment, and a life devoid of genuine connection. The ending serves as a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the hollowness of the American Dream.