Submarine Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A deeply philosophical teen tries to rekindle his parents’ love life while simultaneously plotting to lose his virginity, resulting in a series of hilariously awkward and existential crises.

🍿 Submarine: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Oliver Tate

Oliver Tate, a precocious and self-absorbed 15-year-old in Wales, believes he is destined for greatness. He spends much of his time contemplating his own mortality and fantasizing about his classmates’ reactions to his potential death. He sets two goals for himself: to lose his virginity before his 16th birthday and to prevent his parents’ marriage from dissolving.

Oliver and Jordana’s Relationship

Oliver becomes infatuated with Jordana Bevan, a rebellious and pyromaniac classmate. To gain her attention, he participates in bullying a fellow student. Their relationship begins unconventionally, involving staged photos designed to make Jordana’s ex-boyfriend jealous. Despite initial setbacks, Oliver and Jordana form a close, albeit awkward, bond.

Parental Troubles and a New Age Guru

Oliver grows increasingly concerned about his parents’ failing marriage. His mother’s former lover, Graham Purvis, a flamboyant new-age guru, moves in next door, further straining the family dynamic. Oliver suspects an affair and attempts to intervene, leading to comedic and awkward confrontations.

Jordana’s Family Crisis

The plot thickens when Jordana’s mother is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Oliver struggles to support Jordana, making misguided attempts to ease her pain, including contemplating drastic measures regarding her dog. The emotional turmoil tests their relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts): A precocious and introspective teenager navigating first love and his parents’ marital issues with a unique, often misguided, perspective.
• Jordana Bevan (Yasmin Paige): Oliver’s rebellious and straight-talking girlfriend who copes with personal and family hardships with a tough exterior.
• Jill Tate (Sally Hawkins): Oliver’s mother, who is feeling unfulfilled in her marriage and is tempted by a former lover.
• Lloyd Tate (Noah Taylor): Oliver’s depressed and passive father, a marine biologist struggling to connect with his wife and son.
• Graham Purvis (Paddy Considine): Jill’s charismatic and eccentric ex-boyfriend, a new-age guru who stirs up trouble in the Tate household.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Oliver Tate: “I decided to lighten the blow with some light arson.” – Oliver says this in his dry, matter-of-fact tone when describing his feelings and actions after discovering something upsetting, highlighting his often inappropriate and darkly humorous reactions to emotional situations.
• Oliver Tate: “I worry that I’m not a very nice person.” – Oliver reflects on his own behavior, displaying a rare moment of self-awareness and concern about his actions and their impact on others.
• Oliver Tate: “She smells ofгам hairspray and smoke. A potent combination.” – Oliver describes Jordana, capturing his fascination with her unique and unconventional personality.
• Graham Purvis: “Rip off your vest!” – Graham advises Oliver’s father on how to win back his mother.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $467,602
• Worldwide Gross: $3,875,173

💥 Submarine Reviews

Personal Review

I loved ‘Submarine’! It felt like stepping into the mind of a quirky teenager. Oliver’s deadpan humor and awkward encounters had me laughing out loud, while his genuine struggles with love and family were surprisingly touching. The scene where he tries to woo Jordana with a candlelit bedroom made me cringe with second-hand embarrassment but it was also hilarious. This movie really stuck with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who appreciate British humor”
  • “Indie film enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy quirky and introspective narratives”
  • “Fans of Wes Anderson-esque films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teenage sexuality”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief scenes of bullying”
  • “Discussion of parental marital issues”
  • “Mature themes related to illness and death”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Ayoade’s direction is stylish, the performances are spot-on, and the soundtrack is killer. ‘Submarine’ captures the awkwardness and beauty of adolescence with a unique voice.
• The Guardian: “‘Submarine’ is a rare gem – funny, touching, and brilliantly observed. Roberts and Paige deliver memorable performances in this coming-of-age masterpiece.
• Empire: “Ayoade’s debut is quirky, intelligent, and surprisingly moving. The film’s unique visual style and sharp wit make it a standout in the coming-of-age genre.

Audience Reactions

The unique humor and relatable characters made this movie a standout.: Viewers consistently praised the film’s witty dialogue, strong performances, and original storytelling.

The soundtrack perfectly captured the film’s mood and added to the overall experience.: Many appreciated the film’s indie vibe, quirky characters, and nostalgic atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: ‘Submarine’ is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age film praised for its unique humor, strong performances, and stylish direction. While some found it overly quirky, most viewers found it to be a refreshing and memorable take on the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys wrote several original songs for the film, contributing significantly to its distinctive atmosphere.”
• “Richard Ayoade, known for his comedic roles, made his directorial debut with ‘Submarine’, showcasing his talent for creating quirky and visually appealing films.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Joe Dunthorne, who worked closely with Ayoade to adapt the story for the screen.”

🖥️ How to Watch Submarine?

Submarine is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Submarine, you might like these similar films:

• Rushmore (1998): Both films feature precocious, introspective teenage protagonists dealing with first love and complicated family dynamics with a quirky, Wes Anderson-esque style.
• The Graduate (1967): Deals with themes of youthful alienation, complicated relationships with older individuals, and a search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world.
• Eighth Grade (2018): Showcases the awkwardness and anxieties of adolescence through the lens of social media and modern technology, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of teenage life.
• Harold and Maude (1971): Shares a dark comedic tone and explores themes of nonconformity and finding beauty in the unconventional, making it appealing to fans of ‘Submarine’s’ unique sensibility.

🛒 Submarine Related Products

• Submarine [Blu-ray]: Experience the quirky charm of ‘Submarine’ in high-definition. This Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and more.
• Submarine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Digital]: Enjoy the atmospheric sounds of Alex Turner with the official ‘Submarine’ soundtrack. Download includes all original songs featured in the film.
• Submarine Movie Poster: Decorate your walls with the iconic ‘Submarine’ movie poster. This high-quality print captures the film’s unique aesthetic.
• Submarine T-Shirt: Show your love for ‘Submarine’ with this stylish t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Submarine features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stuck On The Puzzle (Intro)” – performed by Alex Turner
• “Hiding Tonight” – performed by Alex Turner
• “It’s Hard To Get Around The Wind” – performed by Alex Turner
• “Piledriver Waltz” – performed by Alex Turner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

US Submarine Commander Rates 14 Submarine Scenes In Movies | How Real Is It?

Curious about how realistic submarine scenes are in movies? Watch this video where a former US submarine commander gives his expert opinion, dissecting the accuracy of everything from nuclear crisis scenarios to life on board.

Submarine – Piledriver Waltz

If you’re a fan of the movie Submarine, you’ll love this beautifully crafted music video that perfectly complements the film’s poignant and atmospheric soundtrack.

✨ Rate