What Is Submarine About?
The premise of Submarine in 254 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the mid‑1980s suburbs of Swansea, a shy yet self‑appointed genius navigates the fragile bridge between boyhood and adulthood. Oliver Tate spends his days dreaming of admiration while feeling painfully invisible, his inner monologue peppered with the grandiosity of an imagined brilliance. The town’s muted, rain‑soaked streets provide a modest backdrop for his awkward attempts at confidence, and the film’s tone balances wistful nostalgia with a dry, off‑beat humor that captures the restless energy of adolescence.
At home, the household hums with unspoken tension. Oliver’s father drifts through days that hint at quiet despair, while his mother’s lingering connection to an old flame casts a subtle shadow over their everyday routine. These family undercurrents shape Oliver’s worldview, prompting him to become both protector and meddler in a delicate dance of love and loyalty. The ambience is one of muted domesticity, where ordinary moments feel like the center of a universe only a teenager could imagine.
Amid this swirl of familial uncertainty, Oliver’s heart is suddenly tugged by the magnetic presence of a spirited classmate. Jordana arrives as a spark of rebellion and possibility, embodying the exhilarating yet terrifying promise of first love. Their tentative bond offers a refuge from the chaos at home, while also exposing Oliver to the bittersweet complexities of growing up—questions of identity, the desire to shed innocence, and the yearning to rewrite the narratives that define his life. The film invites viewers to linger in the tender, uneasy space where teenage hope collides with the realities of an imperfect world.
What Happens in Submarine?
The complete story of Submarine, from the first scene to the last, in 525 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Submarine Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Oliver's Misconceived Self-Perception” to “Uncertain Future”. 6 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
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.
When:1986 Where:Swansea
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
Where:Next door
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
Where:Jordana's house
- 10
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.
Show the other 5 events of Submarine Hide the last 5 events
- 11
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.
Where:The beach
- 12
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.
Where:Graham's house
- 13
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.
- 14
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.
Where:The beach
- 15
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.
Who Are the Main Characters in Submarine?
2 characters, among them Oliver Tate (Roberts) and Jordana (Paige): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- OT
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
- J(
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
Where and When Is Submarine Set?
Submarine is set in Swansea (1986). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of Submarine?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Heartbreak, Self-Discovery and Family Dynamics.
-
01
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.
-
02
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.
-
03
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.
What Kind of Film Is Submarine?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A bittersweet and awkward coming-of-age story that blends melancholic reflections on first love and family strife with a quirky, observant humor, capturing the painful yet funny realities of adolescence.
- awkward
- melancholic
- nostalgic
- quirky
- anxious
- reflective
- coming of age
- first love
- family conflict
- teen angst
Quiz
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