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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Submarine (2011). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Oliver Tate, played by Roberts, is a 15-year-old boy living in Swansea in 1986. He considers himself an unmatched genius, believing that he is adored by his peers, although in reality, he is quite the opposite—pretentious and socially isolated. His crush is on the outspoken and spirited girl named Jordana, portrayed by Paige, who brings a spark of excitement to his otherwise mundane life. To catch her attention, Oliver resorts to bullying an overweight classmate, convinced that such actions will earn him her admiration.

Their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Jordana invites Oliver for a secret meeting after school, requesting that he bring along a Polaroid camera and a diary. In a twist of teenage cunning, she captures moments of them kissing; however, this is all part of a scheme to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. Unfortunately, this plan backfires, leading to both Oliver and Jordana facing public ridicule. The situation escalates when Oliver is violently confronted for defending Jordana against derogatory comments. As they walk home, she takes his hand, leading to their first kiss, and they officially become a couple.

Back at home, Oliver becomes increasingly worried about the shaky relationship between his parents. His father, played by Taylor, seems to be battling depression, which only amplifies Oliver’s anxieties. Compounding this situation is the arrival of Graham, portrayed by Considine, an ex-boyfriend of Oliver’s mother Hawkins, who has a flirtatious demeanor that raises Oliver’s suspicions about an affair.

As Oliver navigates his blossoming relationship with Jordana, he learns that her mother is suffering from a potentially deadly brain tumor. In a misguided effort to spare Jordana further heartache, Oliver even contemplates poisoning her beloved dog. Their relationship is tested further when Oliver attends an early Christmas dinner with Jordana’s family, witnessing her father’s emotional breakdown, which unsettles him and prompts him to abruptly cut ties with Jordana, believing it to be in her best interest—a demonstration of his unintended harshness.

Fueled by fears that his mother and Graham are having an affair and seeing his father in a despondent state, Oliver tries desperately to mend his parents’ relationship. One night, after discovering his mother and Graham have gone to the beach, he attempts to track them down. In the process, he spots Jordana with a new boyfriend, which shatters him. In a fit of rage and heartbreak, he breaks into Graham’s home, where he ends up getting drunk and engaging in minor vandalism. When Graham finds Oliver, he surprisingly returns him home with little fuss.

The following morning, Oliver is relieved to see his parents are not angry and appear to be reconciling, despite his mother’s cryptic admission about an intimate incident with Graham. Yet, Oliver’s heartache over Jordana remains unresolved, and he is unable to reach out to her to explain his erratic behavior. Weeks pass as he sulks in his misery, until he unexpectedly spots her on the beach. He rushes towards her to apologize, only to discover that she has ended her relationship with her new boyfriend. The future of their relationship remains uncertain, leaving viewers to ponder whether this young couple will find their way back to each other.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Submarine (2011) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Oliver's Misconceived Self-Perception

In 1986 Swansea, Oliver Tate believes he is a genius and the favored classmate among his peers. In reality, he is socially disconnected and struggles with the dynamics of teenage life.

1986 Swansea

Meeting Jordana

Oliver develops a crush on Jordana, a bold girl in his class. To impress her, he engages in bullying an overweight classmate, mistakenly thinking this will win her affection.

Secret Encounter

Jordana invites Oliver to meet after school and instructs him to bring a Polaroid camera and diary. Their secret meeting is actually a ploy to make her ex-boyfriend jealous, which Oliver unwittingly participates in.

Public Humiliation

Their attempt to provoke jealousy backfires as both Oliver and Jordana become the targets of cruel bullying. Afterward, Oliver is physically assaulted when he refuses to insult Jordana, marking a turning point in their relationship.

First Kiss

After the bullying incident, if only briefly, Jordana takes Oliver’s hand and they share their first kiss. This moment solidifies their bond, leading Oliver to proudly declare her as his girlfriend.

Family Concerns

Oliver grows worried about his parents' deteriorating relationship and his father's increasing depression. He feels compelled to intervene while grappling with his own romantic struggles.

The Arrival of Graham

New age guru Graham, his mother’s ex-boyfriend, moves in next door, stirring Oliver's suspicions. Oliver worries that Graham's flirtatious behavior may threaten the fragile state of his parents' marriage.

Next door

Jordana's Family Crisis

Oliver learns that Jordana's mother has a potentially fatal brain tumor. This knowledge leaves him feeling helpless, and he absurdly contemplates harming her dog to spare her the pain of dealing with her mother’s mortality.

Early Christmas Dinner

At an early Christmas dinner with Jordana's family, Oliver witnesses her father’s emotional breakdown. This moment makes him question the stability of the Jordana he cherishes, leading him to withdraw from her life.

Jordana's house

Cutting Ties

In a misguided effort to shield Jordana from emotional pain, Oliver chooses to stop communicating with her. This decision stems from his inability to navigate the complexities of relationships as a young teenager.

The Beach Incident

Oliver suspects his mother is having an affair with Graham and follows them to the beach. He notices Jordana with a new boyfriend, and his heart is shattered, further compounding his emotional turmoil.

The beach

Vandalism Outburst

In a fit of rage and alcohol-fueled despair, Oliver breaks into Graham's home and vandalizes the place. This reckless act stems from his frustration with his family's instability and his lost relationship with Jordana.

Graham's house

Reconciliation

The next morning, Oliver discovers that his parents have reconciled after a heart-to-heart. Despite their complex relationship, this moment brings Oliver a sense of relief amid his ongoing heartbreak about Jordana.

Facing Jordana Again

Weeks later, Oliver sees Jordana on the beach and seizes the opportunity to explain his previous actions. Reuniting with her reveals that she has ended things with her new boyfriend, reigniting hopes for their relationship.

The beach

Uncertain Future

The film concludes without confirming whether Oliver and Jordana rekindle their romance. This open-ended moment reflects the unresolved nature of adolescence and the complexities involved in young love.

Characters

Explore all characters from Submarine (2011). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Oliver Tate (Roberts)

Oliver is a 15-year-old boy who believes he is gifted but struggles with social acceptance and emotional intelligence. His misguided attempts to impress Jordana lead to heartache and reflection on his actions, highlighting his growth throughout the film.

👦 Young Adult 💭 Misunderstood

Jordana (Paige)

Jordana is a spirited and sardonic girl who captures Oliver's heart. Her bold personality and complex home life create a dynamic relationship with Oliver, leading to both romantic moments and significant challenges.

🌹 Love Interest 🦄 Unique

Setting

Learn where and when Submarine (2011) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

1986

The year 1986 was marked by significant cultural shifts, with the rise of youth culture influenced by music, fashion, and emerging technology. This period saw a blend of optimism and uncertainty, reflecting the experiences of adolescence that Oliver faces throughout the movie.

Location

Swansea

Swansea is a coastal city in Wales, known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage. The city offers a mix of urban life and natural beauty, with access to stunning beaches and parks, making it an appealing backdrop for young love and personal struggles.

🏖️ Coastal City 🎡 Urban Life

Themes

Discover the main themes in Submarine (2011). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


💔

Love and Heartbreak

The tumultuous relationship between Oliver and Jordana explores the complexities of young love. Their connection is tested by jealousy, personal issues, and external pressures, showcasing the heartache that often accompanies teenage romance.

🧠

Self-Discovery

Oliver's journey is one of self-discovery as he navigates his feelings and perceptions of himself and those around him. Through his experiences, he learns about the realities of relationships and the importance of empathy.

🌀

Family Dynamics

The film delves into complicated family relationships, particularly Oliver's concern about his parents' marriage. As he tries to understand love and partnership, he also grapples with the impact of his family's issues on his own life.

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