A Bigger Splash 2016

Arrival at the Villa

Marianne Lane, a world-famous rock singer, arrives at an isolated villa on the small Italian island of Pantelleria with her filmmaker lover, Paul De Smedt. They are on a holiday meant for recovery, as Marianne has recently undergone surgery and lost her voice.

Paul's Struggles

Paul De Smedt is also dealing with his own demons, recovering from alcohol addiction and a previous suicide attempt. This backdrop of personal struggle adds tension to their vacation as they try to heal both mentally and physically.

Intrusion of Harry and Penelope

Their peaceful retreat is disrupted by uninvited guests, including Harry Hawkes, a music producer and former lover of Marianne. He arrives with his daughter, Penelope 'Pen' Lanier, who claims to be 22 years old, forcing Marianne and Paul to confront the dynamics of their relationships.

Harry's Dominance

Harry takes charge of the villa, inviting friends and treating the place as his own. While he captivates Marianne, his presence grows increasingly tiresome for both Paul and Pen, creating an undercurrent of tension as their holiday spirals into chaos.

Marianne's Conflicted Emotions

As Harry and Marianne get closer, she feels pulled back into their past romance. Despite her feelings, she ultimately tells Harry that she cannot be with him, expressing her commitment to Paul, which complicates the dynamics between the three of them.

Pen's Manipulation

Pen, feeling neglected and disillusioned by her father's arrogance, attempts to seduce Paul. Although the details are not shown, it is heavily implied that Paul, feeling vulnerable, succumbs to Pen's advances, adding another layer of betrayal to the already strained relationships.

The Fight by the Pool

After a night of drinking, Harry confronts Paul beside the pool, leading to a heated physical altercation. The confrontation escalates quickly, resulting in both men falling into the pool, where the fight continues violently.

Tragic Outcome

During the struggle, Paul holds Harry underwater, which ultimately leads to Harry drowning. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Paul attempts to resuscitate him but is unsuccessful and watches helplessly as Harry's body sinks to the bottom of the pool.

Police Investigation Begins

The next morning, the villa’s maid discovers Harry's corpse and calls the police. As they deal with more pressing matters involving refugees, they take Marianne, Paul, and Pen in for questioning regarding Harry's death.

Cover-Up

To avoid suspicion, Marianne tells the police the truth about her alibi, asserting she was asleep. Paul lies about his whereabouts, claiming he went to bed before Harry's time of death, which earns their trust.

Pen's Revelation

As tensions rise, Pen eventually reveals her true age as 17 and her fluent Italian skills, which she had kept hidden. This revelation raises concerns for Paul, as he worries about what Pen may have witnessed during Harry's fight.

Confession to Marianne

In a moment of vulnerability, Paul confesses to Marianne that he killed Harry, although he emphasizes that he tried to save him. This admission transforms their relationship dynamic, as guilt and fear overshadow their attempts to heal.

Final Confrontation with Pen

At the airport, just before Pen departs, she cryptically refers to something Marianne once said, which disturbs Marianne. This confrontation culminates in Marianne slapping Pen, showcasing the heightened tension and unresolved grievances among them.

Police Stop the Couple

As Marianne and Paul drive away from the airport, they are suddenly stopped by the police. However, instead of pursuing the investigation, the officer reveals himself as a fan of Marianne and asks her for an autograph, providing a moment of relief amidst the turmoil.