Bokeh (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

The story follows a couple, Jenai and Riley, as they embark on a journey filled with adventure and unexpected twists. While traveling through the stunning landscapes, they find themselves taking a peaceful nap on a bus. Upon waking, Riley eagerly begins capturing the beauty around them with his camera. Once they arrive at their hotel, they settle in and venture out to explore.

Their exploration leads them to various activities, with Riley continuously snapping photos, reflecting his passion for photography. At one point, they stop for a meal and discuss the challenge of finding film for his camera. They subsequently visit a church where they engage with the Pastor, who shares captivating stories about Iceland’s rich history. Later, as part of a tour group, they trek up to a majestic waterfall, basking in the joy of being together.

However, the mood shifts dramatically in the middle of the night when Jenai wakes to a mysterious bright light illuminating the sky. Confused, she gazes out the window, trying to comprehend this strange phenomenon. The next morning, they discover that their hotel offers no breakfast, prompting them to explore the seemingly deserted streets.

As they wander, they start to call out for anyone who might respond, but their voices echo back in silence. Their search leads them into buildings, where they find nobody. With growing unease, they try reaching their families, but their calls go unanswered. Eventually, they end up in a restaurant where the news channels are strangely inactive, heightening their anxiety. They return to their hotel room, investigating the internet only to encounter outdated information.

The couple continues their search for other people, discovering a parked car left running in the middle of the road, which they decide to take. As Jenai grapples with the idea that they might be experiencing the rapture, they return to their hotel room and resign themselves to sleep.

The following day unfolds with Riley attempting to rouse Jenai, who is reluctant to wake. They spend their time contemplating the strange events and express their escalating concerns about the possibility of an apocalypse. In an effort to reassure Jenai, Riley urges her that this isn’t the end. Eventually, they make their way to a grocery store, filling their carts with provisions, and later find solace in a new three-story home.

With time passing, they enjoy playful moments together, take a trip to the countryside, and engage in intimate experiences by a secluded mountain pool. Their playful antics extend to a grocery store escapade, where a mishap results in Riley injuring himself. This incident leads to tension between them when Jenai expresses her frustration, pushing for Riley to be more cautious.

The couple’s dynamic shifts when Jenai’s anxiety about dwindling resources clashes with Riley’s carefree attitude about their food supplies. As they navigate these challenges, their trips yield little success in finding others. They make a weekend getaway to the mountains, where they encounter Nils, a man in desperate need. They provide him food and comfort, but their hopes are dashed when Nils sadly passes away, leaving Jenai to wonder about the meaning of life in such isolation.

Motivated by a desire to seek others, Jenai begins marking houses with red tape, and while back in the city, she receives a poignant message from Riley but feels let down. Riley, unaware of her distress, continues working on their water pump, finally achieving success. He discovers his developed photos but grows anxious when noticing Jenai’s missing sweater outside.

In a rush of concern, Riley realizes something is amiss. Tragically, he discovers Jenai has taken her own life at the mountain pool. Grief-stricken, he attempts to rescue her, but despair overwhelms him. In a fit of anguish, Riley struggles with his emotions, teetering between life and death. Ultimately, he drives away from the scene, leaving behind a horror that echoes the stark reality of their isolation, as the water finally flows freely into their home.