It’s freezing cold outside as we still find ourselves in winter – so, unless you’ve made an escape to a tropical land for a warming holiday, beaches are not exactly top of mind right now. Which is precisely why I wanted to bring the attention towards them, and their roles as both backdrop and a sort of character in movies. Whether it’s the allure of endless sand, the calming sound of waves, or the mystery of what lies beneath the water, beaches have been a favourite backdrop for filmmakers. Here’s a look at seven films where the beach isn’t just a setting but a character in its own right.
The Beach (2000)
Starting the list of films about beaches is, well – The Beach, a film that epitomises the idyllic yet perilous allure of paradise. Directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film is based on Alex Garland’s novel of the same name. The story follows Richard, a young traveller who discovers a secluded island in Thailand. The pristine beach is home to a hidden community of travellers seeking the perfect utopia. However, as the film progresses, the seemingly perfect paradise reveals its darker side, exploring themes of idealism, isolation, and the human tendency to destroy what we love.
The film was shot on the stunning Ko Phi Phi Le island, capturing the true beauty and serenity of the location. Despite its visual appeal, The Beach serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked hedonism and the impact of tourism on natural wonders. I read the book before I watched the film, and rather predictably, the book has a lot more depth, but the film ends up creating quite a respectful take on the original material.
Old (2021)
M. Night Shyamalan’s Old is a thriller that explores the eerie and unsettling aspects of a seemingly perfect beach. The story follows a family on holiday who discovers a secluded beach, only to realise that it causes them to age rapidly. What starts as a relaxing getaway quickly turns into a race against time as they try to escape before their entire lives pass by in a single day.
The beach setting is both beautiful and foreboding, serving as a metaphor for the inevitable passage of time. Shyamalan’s film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its intriguing premise and tense atmosphere, reminding us that even the most picturesque locations can harbour sinister secrets.
Cast Away (2000)
A quintessential beach film, Cast Away stars Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. With only the company of a volleyball named Wilson, Chuck must learn to survive using limited resources. The film focuses on his physical and emotional journey as he grapples with isolation and the will to survive.
Filmed on the island of Monuriki in Fiji, Cast Away beautifully captures the challenges and rewards of living in harmony with nature. The beach setting is integral to the film’s exploration of solitude, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to adapt and endure.
Jaws (1975)
No list of beach films would be complete without Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller Jaws. Set in the fictional Amity Island, the film follows Police Chief Brody as he battles to protect his community from a giant great white shark. The beach, usually a place of relaxation and fun, becomes a site of terror and suspense as the shark’s presence threatens the town’s livelihood.
Jaws was filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and its release had a significant impact on beach culture, instilling a lingering fear of shark attacks in the public’s imagination. The film’s masterful use of suspense and groundbreaking special effects make it a timeless classic that continues to influence the thriller genre.
The Descendants (2011)
Alexander Payne’s The Descendants offers a more contemplative take on beach life, set against the backdrop of Hawaii’s stunning landscapes. Starring George Clooney as Matt King, the film follows a man grappling with family crises while deciding the fate of his family’s ancestral land.
The beaches of Hawaii serve as a poignant symbol of heritage, loss, and renewal. Through its heartfelt narrative and breathtaking scenery, The Descendants explores themes of forgiveness, connection, and the complexities of family dynamics.
The Blue Lagoon (1980)
The Blue Lagoon, directed by Randal Kleiser, is a romantic drama set on a deserted island. The film follows two shipwrecked children, played by Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins, as they grow up in isolation and discover love and life on the island. The beach serves as their home and sanctuary, offering both beauty and challenges as they navigate adolescence and survival.
Filmed in the idyllic Yasawa Islands of Fiji, The Blue Lagoon captures the lush, untouched beauty of its setting. While the film received mixed reviews, its portrayal of the beach as a paradise lost has made it a cult classic.
Moana (2016)
Though not entirely set on a beach, Disney’s Moana is a celebration of the ocean and island life. This animated film follows the spirited Moana as she embarks on a journey across the Pacific to save her people. The film showcases Polynesian culture and mythology, with the beach and ocean playing central roles in Moana’s quest.
The animation beautifully captures the vibrant colours and natural beauty of the islands, creating a visually stunning tribute to the sea and its significance in Polynesian life. Moana is a heartfelt adventure that highlights the connection between people and the natural world.
You may also like:
Leave a reply