What Is Splash About?
The premise of Splash in 241 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the breezy seaside town of Cape Cod, a curious boy named Allen spends a carefree summer chasing waves and secrets. One sun‑drenched day he slips beneath the surface and catches a fleeting glimpse of a shimmering, otherworldly figure—a mermaid whose brief appearance lingers in his imagination like a tide‑washed promise. The encounter is pure wonder, a whisper of magic that hints at possibilities far beyond the ordinary rhythms of beach‑side life.
Two decades later, Allen returns to the world he knows as a responsible manager of his family’s produce business, his days structured by schedules, expectations, and a lingering sense that true love has slipped through his fingers. He shares his world with his easy‑going brother, Freddie, whose playful attitude toward romance offers a foil to Allen’s more earnest yearning. When the mysterious woman from his childhood resurfaces—now walking the streets of New York as a strikingly beautiful, slightly bewildered newcomer—her presence ignites a fresh, intoxicating connection that feels both familiar and astonishingly new.
The film balances gentle humor with heartfelt romance, painting a modern cityscape with the soft glow of fairy‑tale intrigue. As Allen navigates the tug between the secure comforts of his established life and the irresistible pull of the sea‑born love that has returned, the story asks quietly whether one can truly belong to both worlds. The tone remains light, whimsical, and hopeful, inviting audiences to wonder where the boundary between myth and everyday existence truly lies.
What Happens in Splash?
The complete story of Splash, from the first scene to the last, in 734 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
While spending a day on a boat at Cape Cod in 1964, young Allen Bauer encounters something extraordinary beneath the surface of the water. Fascinated by what he sees, he dives in, alarming his family. Unbeknownst to them, he has glimpsed a little mermaid. Unfortunately, as he is pulled back to safety, the mermaid is left behind, watching sorrowfully as Allen’s family departs.
Fast forward twenty years, and Allen (played by Tom Hanks) now oversees his family’s produce distribution business, all while still on a quest for true love. His character is juxtaposed with his brother Freddie (John Candy), who holds a more carefree view on relationships. When his girlfriend breaks things off over the phone, Allen finds himself engulfed in sadness.
Following a work associate’s wedding, Allen finds himself intoxicated and spontaneously decides to return to Cape Cod, while Freddie cavorts in Rio de Janeiro with two charming women. Upon his arrival, he meets the irritable scientist Cornbluth (Eugene Levy), who is fervently searching for mermaids in the local waters, but remains unaware of his clumsy crew members as well as Allen’s presence.
In a twist of fate, Allen hires a small motorboat to venture towards a nearby island. Shortly thereafter, a mishap forces him overboard. Just as he thinks he might drown, he comes face-to-face with a stunning naked woman (portrayed by Daryl Hannah), who vanishes into the depths. Allen, desperate to learn her identity, is met with silence.
The mermaid picks up Allen’s wallet during her watery escapade, whereafter she swims to a sunken ship filled with relics of yore. Utilizing information from his wallet and maps, she uncovers Allen’s home address. Days later, to Allen’s astonishment, the mermaid appears naked at the Statue of Liberty, clutching the wallet. He is soon summoned by the NYPD to collect her from the station, and upon her release, he welcomes her into his life.
The next day, Alan’s spirits soar, surprising Freddie, to whom he delegatesthe family business responsibilities. Yet, when Allen returns home later, he discovers the enchanting woman missing. After a frantic search, he finds her shopping at Bloomingdale’s with an all-new outfit. Shockingly, she is now able to speak, having learned from television in the shop. When he inquires about her origins, she evades detailed answers, but when pressed for a name, she seems confused by the concept until Allen suggests “Madison,” which she happily agrees to.
As their days together unfold, Allen becomes increasingly enamored with Madison, discovering her quirks, such as when she panics in the bathroom, claiming she is “shy.” During a romantic outing, they encounter a fountain adorned with a mermaid, stirring Allen’s memory of something important, though he cannot pinpoint it. Excitedly, Freddie reveals that he has secured tickets to a dinner hosted by the President of the United States. However, Allen insists on taking Madison instead of his brother, leading to playful teasing from Freddie about his budding love.
Madison’s appearance at the Statue of Liberty attracts media attention, catching Cornbluth’s eye as well. Despite skepticism from his colleagues, he remains steadfast in his belief of Madison’s mermaid status, launching a search throughout New York. Meanwhile, as Madison’s deadline approaches, Allen proposes, but she unexpectedly denies him, causing tension between them. However, Madison soon returns after some time apart and accepts his marriage proposal.
With plans underway to marry after the President’s event, the two share a dangerous secret that Madison wishes to reveal. Yet, their moment is interrupted when Cornbluth discovers Madison’s true nature, leading to her being placed in a containment tank at the New York Natural History Museum. Allen is bewildered by the revelation that the woman he loves is a mermaid, causing a rift in their relationship.
Feeling heartbroken, Allen seeks out Cornbluth for help, rallying with Freddie to rescue Madison from her captors. Disguising themselves as Swedish biologists, they manage to break into the laboratory, leading to a frantic escape through Manhattan pursued by military forces.
At last, they reach the Hudson River, where Allen must decide between the surface world and following Madison beneath the waves. Just as he contemplates his choice, he leaps into the water, and Madison, ever his savior, comes to his aid again. Together, they navigate the perils of divers and military pursuers, ultimately making their way to a hidden underwater kingdom after Madison grants Allen the ability to breathe underwater with a kiss.
Splash Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Allen's Encounter with the Mermaid” to “The Underwater Kingdom”. 10 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Allen's Encounter with the Mermaid
In 1964, young Allen Bauer experiences a remarkable moment while boating at Cape Cod. He dives into the water, where he catches a glimpse of a beautiful mermaid, but is swiftly pulled back to the surface, leaving her behind, watching them depart with sorrow.
When:1964 Where:Cape Cod
- 2
Allen's Life Twenty Years Later
Fast forward twenty years, Allen is now a man involved in his family's produce distribution business. Despite his professional achievements, he remains focused on finding true love, contrasting with his easygoing brother Freddie, who enjoys a more casual approach to relationships.
When:1984
- 3
Breakup and Return to Cape Cod
After a phone call from his girlfriend, Allen is heartbroken and retreats into sadness. Following a work event, he unexpectedly decides to return to Cape Cod, while Freddie revels in Rio de Janeiro.
Where:Cape Cod
- 4
Meeting Cornbluth
Upon arriving at Cape Cod, Allen encounters the irritable scientist Cornbluth, who is enthusiastically searching for mermaids. Unbeknownst to Cornbluth, Allen’s presence signals a significant connection in the ongoing search for the mythical creatures.
Where:Cape Cod
- 5
Facing the Waters
Allen rents a motorboat to explore a nearby island but accidentally ends up in the water. Just as he fears drowning, he spots a stunning naked woman, the very mermaid he once glimpsed, before she vanishes into the ocean.
Where:Nearby Island
- 6
The Mermaid Finds Allen's Wallet
While swimming, the mermaid stumbles upon Allen's wallet and discovers his personal details. This leads her to identify Allen and plan an unexpected reunion with him, igniting the next wave of their intertwined fates.
- 7
Madison's Arrival at the Statue of Liberty
Days later, the mermaid, now revealed to be named Madison, appears at the Statue of Liberty, holding Allen's wallet. He is soon called by the NYPD to retrieve her from their precinct, marking the beginning of their extraordinary relationship.
Where:Statue of Liberty
- 8
Madison's Shopping Trip
After a joyful reunion, Allen leaves Madison for a moment, only to find her shopping at Bloomingdale's, fully clothed and able to speak. Having learned language from television, she adopts the name 'Madison' after Allen suggests it.
Where:Bloomingdale's
- 9
The Romantic Outing
As their affection grows, Allen takes Madison on a romantic outing where they encounter a fountain featuring a mermaid. This sparks memories for Allen, yet he struggles to understand their significance.
- 10
Proposal and Rejection
With the President's dinner event approaching, where Freddie insists on taking a date, Allen proposes to Madison. To his dismay, Madison declines, creating a rift in their budding relationship that leaves Allen confused and disheartened.
Show the other 4 events of Splash Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Madison's Capture
As the pressure of Madison's mermaid identity increases, she ends up captured and placed in a containment tank at the New York Natural History Museum. Allen is distraught upon learning her truth, which deepens their emotional conflict.
Where:New York Natural History Museum
- 12
Rescue Mission
Determined to save Madison, Allen teams up with Freddie and they disguise themselves as Swedish biologists. Their daring escape from the museum incites panic and leads to a chase through Manhattan as they evade authorities.
Where:Manhattan
- 13
The Choice
As they reach safety by the Hudson River, Allen faces a crucial decision: remain in the human world or join Madison in the depths of the ocean. Choosing love, he plunges into the water, knowing the risk and significance of his choice.
Where:Hudson River
- 14
The Underwater Kingdom
Madison helps Allen breathe underwater with a magical kiss, leading them to a hidden underwater kingdom. They share a moment of vulnerability and love as they navigate the challenges brought on by their deep connection.
Where:Underwater Kingdom
Who Are the Main Characters in Splash?
2 characters, among them Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks) and Madison (Daryl Hannah): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks)
Played by Tom Hanks
Allen is a compassionate and introspective man on a quest for love that feels unattainable. Over the years, he navigates the complexities of relationships while yearning for a deeper connection. His character exhibits emotional vulnerability, particularly when confronted with the remarkable presence of Madison, who challenges his perceptions of love.
- 👨❤️👨 Romance
- 🤵 Seeking Love
-
Madison (Daryl Hannah)
Played by Daryl Hannah
Madison is a mermaid with a childlike wonder and curiosity about the human world. She evolves significantly as she learns to adapt to life on land, bringing both innocence and wisdom to her character. Her enchanting presence captivates Allen, and her struggle with her identity adds depth to her character as she balances her mermaid origins with her newfound feelings for him.
- 🐚 Fantasy
- ❤️🔥 Enchantment
Where and When Is Splash Set?
Splash is set in Cape Cod, Rio de Janeiro, Statue of Liberty, Bloomingdale's, New York Natural… (1964, 1984). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1964, 1984
The film spans a period of twenty years, beginning in 1964, characterized by the innocence and wonder of youth, which is further explored through Allen's nostalgic connection to his childhood. By 1984, it captures a more complex modern world more involved with relationships, technology, and the quest for true love.
Where
Cape Cod, Rio de Janeiro, Statue of Liberty, Bloomingdale's, New York Natural History Museum, Manhattan, Hudson River
The story takes place in various iconic locations, starting from the serene Cape Cod, known for its stunning beaches and maritime heritage. In contrast, Rio de Janeiro brings a vibrant and lively atmosphere, showcasing its beautiful landscapes and dynamic culture. Key scenes unfold at the famous Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope, and bustling Bloomingdale's, a high-end shopping destination in New York. The film also highlights the New York Natural History Museum, a hub for scientific discovery, and Manhattan's hectic urban life.
- 🌊 Ocean
- 🏙️ City
- 🗽 Landmark
What Are the Themes of Splash?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Fantasy and Identity.
-
01
Love
The theme of love runs deeply throughout the film, showcasing Allen's journey in search of genuine connection. His profound affection for Madison highlights the lengths one would go for true love, transcending the barriers of species and societal norms. The evolving bond between Allen and Madison explores the complexities of love in both its joyous and heartbreaking moments.
-
02
Fantasy
The film beautifully blends elements of fantasy with reality through the enchanting character of Madison, a mermaid navigating the human world. This juxtaposition encourages audiences to embrace imagination and the extraordinary possibilities that life can hold. The fantastical elements serve to deepen the emotional stakes and the connection between the characters.
-
03
Identity
Madison's struggle with her identity serves as a central theme in the narrative. As she learns to communicate and adapt to human society, her journey reflects the challenges of self-discovery. Allen also grapples with understanding who he is in relation to love and companionship, leading to moments of self-reflection and growth.
What Kind of Film Is Splash?
Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical and optimistic romantic fantasy that feels like a playful adventure, as a mermaid discovers New York City and falls in love, facing lighthearted obstacles with a magical and uplifting spirit.
- whimsical
- romantic
- playful
- uplifting
- fantastical
- optimistic
- fish out of water
- forbidden love
- identity and belonging
- scientific exploitation
Content notes: public nudity.
Quiz
How well do you remember Splash? Test yourself on the story.
