Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: May 4, 2016
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 89 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
59
Mixed:
20
Negative:
10
Watch Now
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)
7
TVJerryMay 30, 2016
Tilda Swinton plays a rock star who's relaxing with her boyfriend (Matthias Schoenaerts) on a remote Italian island, while recovering from throat surgery. Their erotic retreat is upended when one of her exes (Ralph Fiennes) shows up with hisTilda Swinton plays a rock star who's relaxing with her boyfriend (Matthias Schoenaerts) on a remote Italian island, while recovering from throat surgery. Their erotic retreat is upended when one of her exes (Ralph Fiennes) shows up with his daughter (Dakota Johnson). There's not a straight-ahead plot here, only a group of people enjoying the getaway…at first, at least. An undercurrent of attraction and jealousy adds to the tension that develops. As always, Swinton is thoroughly compelling (even though she barely speaks) and Fiennes shows a crazy energy that's both stimulating and creepy. This is unmistakably a foreign film: the interaction of the characters holds an enigmatic depth that's explored thru subtle, unhurried direction by Luca Guadagnino ("I Am Love," also starring Swinton). There's also quite a bit of casual nudity. Enjoyable, enthralling yet uncomfortable. Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
All this user's reviews
4
SpangleJan 20, 2017
Vapid, soulless, and inconsequential, Luca Guadagnino is simply a dull film that has very literally purpose. It is a film that allegedly has some themes regarding immigration into Europe, but is mostly a drama about four rich people who allVapid, soulless, and inconsequential, Luca Guadagnino is simply a dull film that has very literally purpose. It is a film that allegedly has some themes regarding immigration into Europe, but is mostly a drama about four rich people who all are attracted to one another. European to its very core, this slow paced drama film is erotic, dialogue heavy, and impeccably acted. While hardly engaging and largely just throwaway entertainment masquerading as something more (my biggest problem with this film), A Bigger Splash does feature tremendous performances from Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton that exceed expectations. If nothing else, it cements that the world has been deprived of the David Bowie biopic starring Tilda Swinton for far too long.

A Bigger Splash is the kind of film that is not exactly pretentious, but it certainly feels that it is deep and important. It exudes a certain air of superiority towards its audience as Guadagnino shows off the lush country side of Italy and Ralph Fiennes' member. Nothing that happens - when stuff happens - is overly complicated. It is just jealousy, lust, and murder, aka the big three of film. Nothing makes this unique, just the two hours runtime it takes for A Bigger Splash to actually say nothing on any of the topics. At many points in the film, it is as if the cast decided to get together and vacation, while Guadagnino tagged along. I have no problem with films with limited plots, but it also has no characters. They are written paper thin and are hardly worth diving into further. These four characters - mostly Schoenaerts' and Johnson's - are not really even given the time of day to really communicate who they are in this film. Fiennes' Harry is loud, boisterous, and obnoxious. Swinton's Marianne is a rock star who has a problem with her voice, so she cannot speak. The other two are kind of there, but mostly silent. Harry does most of the talking and Fiennes knocks the role out of the park. He is phenomenal, but it is a shame that his character is so useless and uninteresting without him.

A Bigger Splash just simply never excited me. It just floated by and hinted at some commentary on the immigrants and the distrust they receive, but it is exclusively done through the dialogue and spelled out for you. There is one moment where Dakota Johnson covers herself up in front of some immigrants, but it could just be attributed to the men being strangers. This really drives at how underdeveloped much of the film is. The themes, the drama, and the characters, are all incredibly raw and undercooked from beginning to end. As such, they fail to engage and just leave the audience wondering if there is more to all of this. It is the kind of film that leaves the audience sitting and wondering, "So what?"

Typically, I love these plotless character-driven films, but there must be characters worthwhile enough to make up for the lack of a driving plot. A Bigger Splash lacks this and, as such, ranks as a dull disappointment for myself. Though Fiennes is brilliant and Swinton is oddly great in a largely mute turn, the film simply does not do enough to justify its own existence, even if the swimming was fun and locales entirely gorgeous.
Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
5
moviemitch96May 27, 2016
Honestly this has got to be one of the most pointless and aimless films I've seen in a while. It literally felt like there was hardly even a story, as our four main characters simply, talk, get naked, swim, rinse and repeat. Not even a castHonestly this has got to be one of the most pointless and aimless films I've seen in a while. It literally felt like there was hardly even a story, as our four main characters simply, talk, get naked, swim, rinse and repeat. Not even a cast this talented could save the film, and even they all looked bored throughout the entire film. Hell, Tilda Swinton had less dialogue than everyone else, yet she was able to give the best and most honest performance out of everyone! How is that even possible!? Indeed, Ralph Fiennes and Matthias Schoenaerts's presence kept things somewhat interesting, but even their performances felt really underwhelming. Don't even get me started on Dakota Johnson, who I've never liked as an actress and once again was just there to act sexy, which is just about all she's good for. And finally, the film was supposedly two hours but towards the end began to drag on and on so bad that it felt more like two and a half hours. Overall, despite the promising and talented cast (minus Dakota Johnson), not even they could save this drag of a film. In other words, to put it bluntly this was simply just a boring, pointless, overrated, and forgettable film, Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
All this user's reviews
9
foxgroveMay 4, 2016
‘A Bigger Splash’ is a hypnotically stunning achievement. Stylistically and directorially very much in the same vein as Director Luca Guadagnino’s earlier and equally impressive ‘I am Love’. This new film also stars a gorgeously costumed‘A Bigger Splash’ is a hypnotically stunning achievement. Stylistically and directorially very much in the same vein as Director Luca Guadagnino’s earlier and equally impressive ‘I am Love’. This new film also stars a gorgeously costumed Tilda Swinton as rock star Marianne Lane, currently on a getaway with boyfriend Paul (Matthias Schoenaarts) following a throat operation. Their idyll on a Sicilian island is shattered by the arrival of an old flame Harry (Ralph Fiennes) and his daughter Penelope (Dakota Johnson). Based on the 1969 film ‘Swimming Pool’, this is a film about writing, acting and style. There are no dramatic action set pieces. It’s just four people taking life easy in gorgeous surroundings and becoming ever more intertwined by the complications of their own lives and personas. Psychological and sexual tensions abound and looks and gestures keep you totally entranced as to where the boundaries end and when the breaking points will come. The playing of the cast is superb, especially Fiennes and Swinton. Despite the limiting device of having her character unable to speak for much of the film, Swinton nevertheless effortlessly conveys the required emotions through her facial expressions. Schoenaerts, and especially a flirtatiously seductive Johnson add volumes to the atmosphere and audience investment. They not only provide the eye candy but give the story its palpable sexual charge. Best of all though is Fiennes. Walking an acting tightrope as Harry, he nevertheless gives a carefully modulated performance which at first has one fearful that his character will be played way over the top. This initial reaction is very quickly quelled however, and with many very difficult scenes focused solely on him, Fiennes brings this brash and obnoxious character breathtakingly to life. It has to be amongst his finest work. The film itself is definitely worth seeking out. It deserves your time and money more than something like ‘Triple 9’ or ‘Batman vs Superman’ ever could. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
5
netflicJun 6, 2016
Starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes.
A convoluted love story, a thriller without a thrill.
Very nice scenery (an island in Italy), decent performance, great casting. It would benefit the movie if it were cut in half, especially the
Starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes.
A convoluted love story, a thriller without a thrill.
Very nice scenery (an island in Italy), decent performance, great casting. It would benefit the movie if it were cut in half, especially the first half. The movie is very short on substance and even purpose. I felt bored most of the time. In one word, disappointing (especially considering the cast).
Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
3
Brent_MarchantMay 14, 2016
Despite fine performances by Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, this high-end, melodramatic alleged art piece meanders from start to finish, with numerous sequences that feel like they're about to go somewhere but ultimately don't. ItsDespite fine performances by Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, this high-end, melodramatic alleged art piece meanders from start to finish, with numerous sequences that feel like they're about to go somewhere but ultimately don't. Its pointless narrative feels unfocused and incomplete, punctuated by equally incongruent cinematography, tedious pacing, often-amateurish editing and a soundtrack that pushes the limits of eclecticism. The net effect is a film that tries to pass itself off as something it isn't -- worth watching. Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
All this user's reviews
10
GinaKMay 16, 2016
I loved this film. True, I am a fan of Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, but I was skeptical that Swinton could pull off playing a rock star convincingly and that Fiennes could be frenetic – and dance. Swinton was totally convincing andI loved this film. True, I am a fan of Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, but I was skeptical that Swinton could pull off playing a rock star convincingly and that Fiennes could be frenetic – and dance. Swinton was totally convincing and Fiennes was amazing – he seemed drugged out of his mind through most of the film, but I doubt if you can play someone like that unless you are stone cold sober. The entire cast was excellent, script was great, location was wonderful, and the director did a terrific job of both directing and staying out of the way. I had a great time and look forward to seeing this film again when the Blu Ray becomes available. It’s great fun. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
9
bobmeierMay 28, 2016
I really loved A bigger splash. In terms of plot, there's just a little going on here-A rock star and her lover are taking a rest in rural Italy. Her former lover/ex-manager shows up (mostly uninvited) and tries to rekindle their romance.I really loved A bigger splash. In terms of plot, there's just a little going on here-A rock star and her lover are taking a rest in rural Italy. Her former lover/ex-manager shows up (mostly uninvited) and tries to rekindle their romance. The rest of this film's beauty lies in the way it is done. A fantastic montage of images and sounds that shows hedonistic pleasures of delicious food, sex, drugs that these "idle rich" people use to fill the time. A bigger splash has a fantastic energy in a calm way that is a joy to watch. The music in the film was unpredictable-here's probably the only time the Stones "Emotional Rescue" will be used in a film. Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
6
DirigiblePulpMay 21, 2017
Rich beautiful people in the most beautiful location imaginable, authentic outdoor restaurants that exist on mountainsides where only locals and people in movies can find them, and spontaneous karaoke parties break out at dive bars whereRich beautiful people in the most beautiful location imaginable, authentic outdoor restaurants that exist on mountainsides where only locals and people in movies can find them, and spontaneous karaoke parties break out at dive bars where everyone becomes so enamored they can't help but shrug off their desperate lower class ennui and join in. Everyone just has the most major issues and they kind of work through them and sleep with everyone else and it's not all fine in the end.

I can't lie and say it's not fun to live vicariously in this existence but it's too bad it doesn't linger much in the mind; like most superficial things once it's gone so is everything that seemed special about it. Though Ralph Fiennes dancing to "Emotional Rescue" is a highlight that lasts.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
LeZeeSep 29, 2016
Italian holiday! Musics, dances and the water splash.

No offense whoever liked it, but for me it is one of the bad films of the year. It is not a Hollywood, but the cast is and an English language film entirely shot in Italy. The
Italian holiday! Musics, dances and the water splash.

No offense whoever liked it, but for me it is one of the bad films of the year. It is not a Hollywood, but the cast is and an English language film entirely shot in Italy. The performances were powerful, but the story was weak, maybe the pace to blame. Because it is a two hour long drama about the triangular (maybe quadrangle) romance who are holidaying in Italy. Musical presentation was the highlight and most of the time sets near water like a pool or the sea where water splash happens very often like it was mentioned in the title.

Tilda Swinton speaks rarely in it, but her presence was good. Matthias Schoenerts was one of the main cast, but his frequent on and off makes his presence ineffective. And then Dakota Johnson, I don't know why she's in this, but glamouraouly impacted the storytelling. With all this, Ralph Fiennes led the narration alone, with his brilliant act. Like he was never seen before, awesome dedication. I think it should be watched for him, but not enough to praise the overall film.

If you are looking for a normal drama, this is not the right one to pick. This is kind of experimental film, but there's nothing more refreshing, most of the contents were boring. There's no story, just a vacation events where one another all the main characters try to impress. So it is definitely not for everyone, but if you like it, that's good for the film and you, Whatever, I won't favour it unless you got nothing else to try. The music was good, the locations were beautiful, but the film soared with its weakness than the good stuffs and that's how it fared.

4/10
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
npotashApr 27, 2017
'A Bigger Splash' is slow-moving, but worth watching for Ralph Fiennes bonkers performance alone. The whole cast is good, the setting and corresponding visuals are stunning, and there's a lingering sense that some facts are withheld just'A Bigger Splash' is slow-moving, but worth watching for Ralph Fiennes bonkers performance alone. The whole cast is good, the setting and corresponding visuals are stunning, and there's a lingering sense that some facts are withheld just beyond our grasp. Killer soundtrack. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
EpicLadySpongeMay 4, 2016
A Bigger Splash is another example of why we should be able to have fun in our vacation. Luckily, the four main actors (and actresses) summed up why we should see this film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
khashayarghkhJan 17, 2018
this film had a weird tone, specially the ending, but i had fun watching it. i also loved Ralph Fiennes Character here, it was my type of crazy.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
3
dcmainFeb 20, 2017
I am inclined to like Swinton and Fiennes, and their performances were indeed fine in this film, but the film offers little else. The plot is thin at best, there's something political thrown in at the end without purpose, the soundtrack isI am inclined to like Swinton and Fiennes, and their performances were indeed fine in this film, but the film offers little else. The plot is thin at best, there's something political thrown in at the end without purpose, the soundtrack is frequently distracting, and the constant nudity serves no purpose as it drives little sexual tension. If it were 40 minutes shorter it might have felt like its actual running time. As it is, it felt like 3 wasted hours. Hard pass. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
amheretojudgeJun 5, 2018
prominent and neat splashing..

A Bigger Splash The feature demands attention through stunning visuals that are shot beautifully and up beats the tone and the enthusiast of the characters and their individual tales. Addition to that, it
prominent and neat splashing..

A Bigger Splash

The feature demands attention through stunning visuals that are shot beautifully and up beats the tone and the enthusiast of the characters and their individual tales. Addition to that, it scores majestically on terms of technical aspects like cinematography, costume design and sound effects. The concept is fresh, eerie and potential enogh to withhold the audience for complete two hours of its runtime. It is bold and not at all pretentious and the primary reason is its gripping screenplay, intriguing conversation and pragmatic characters that the tale revolves around. The adaptation is smart by David Kajganich that is supported by perfect editing. Luca Guadagnino; the director, has done a tremendous work on executing this stunning pitch and pulls it off with confidence on projecting this huge cast on screen. All the actors too, are in their A game and chips it all in and gives a stellar performance especially Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton but doesn't get the support as anticipated by Matthias Schoenaerts and Dakota Johnsson who still needs some more work. The feature also derails somewhere in its final act and fumbles its way down a bit only to pick up for a tense climax. A Bigger Splash is prominent and neat splashing that may be easily forgetful after leaving the screen but until its running, it offers a thrilling ride.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
HabibiehakimSep 20, 2021
Well, at least I Am Love have a little bit point, this one, i just have no idea, it's an uneven movie and an uneven story with a weak performance by everybody except probably Ralph Fiennes, i'm really really curious on what Luca GuadagninoWell, at least I Am Love have a little bit point, this one, i just have no idea, it's an uneven movie and an uneven story with a weak performance by everybody except probably Ralph Fiennes, i'm really really curious on what Luca Guadagnino want us to feel, what i feel while watching the movie is like i'm not finding or still thinking what reaction am i have to feel, and then the movie just end it, so what? that's the same question that i ask to myself after watching I Am Love and now A Big Splash, it's a story that for him is something interesting, for me is just, So What?, and it's leaving a very unsatisfying feeling, overall A Big Splash is another fail by Luca Guadagnino for me. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
NickTheCritickOct 22, 2022
Rock legend Marianne Lane is on vacation on the island of Pantelleria with Paul, the historic partner. The quiet of the Sicilian idyll, however, is disturbed by the arrival of Harry, with whom the woman has had an affair.
it has to be said
Rock legend Marianne Lane is on vacation on the island of Pantelleria with Paul, the historic partner. The quiet of the Sicilian idyll, however, is disturbed by the arrival of Harry, with whom the woman has had an affair.
it has to be said that the first 3/4 of this film is truly jaw-dropping. We are faced with an elegant and splendid noir seasoned with a fantastic interpretation by Ralph Fiennes. Guadagnino masterfully build tension between the two men but then he really faces a creative black out. The final act of the film, on the other hand, is an example of how to completely ruin a perfect film. The use of Corrado Guzzanti as a police offer is simply incomprehensible (Guzzanti cannot even act at a basic level) and the ending of the film is really not convincing. The reflection on immigrants is very out of place and coarse and resolution is too hasty. Too bad indeed because this Could have been a great movie but It turns out to be a missed great movie.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
1
AmadouIraklidisOct 2, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was awful. Actual garbage. It was supposed to be a crime/drama/seductive film, and all it ended up being was an annoyance.

For **** sake, the director thought that focusing on certain things throughout the movie as clues would aid the movie. Newsflash, for that to work, they actually have to pertain to the movie. It's like the cameraman dozed off and zoomed in on something random half a dozen times and they said **** it, keep rolling"

All of the characters were insufferable. Actual misery-pills. None of them could spell "morals" if they tried to. The daughter of the king loser was this completely obnoxious seventeen year old who all she was trying to do was get a rise out of people. I mean, talk about being a complete reject. And we never even figured out her motivation. I seriously thought that she might've not been the neanderthals daughter and some tool in a devious plot to break up the other couple. That's how little the movie wanted anyone to understand what the **** was going on, a mission impossible plot seemed plausible. So stupid.

Then comes the loud mouthed loser himself. This guy did not stop talking. I mean, literally did not stop talking! Between him rambling inane **** and this weirdly passive rockstar who couldn't speak apparently, I bet the script was just him up until he died. Which was the best thing the directors had in the movie. Thank god he died. Speaking of, these characters sucked so much, I didn't even know the guys name until he died! With 30 minutes left in the movie! Then they also had GTA NPC type side characters. Like all the italians there were caricature fan boys, maids, and wide eyed locals. It was surreal, the director could not have chosen a better way to destroy any suspension of disbelief I had. I mean, for no ****ing reason, the police chief just went along with a **** story of seven refugees killing the oaf in chief. He even coached her through it.

Paul was the only half decent character, and we almost never heard him talk. He could have been a cardboard cutout. But then he got seduced by a seventeen year old (statutory rape revealed for no reason and out of no where, why didn't they just stick to the annoying gnat being twenty two?). And his wife, some rockstar, also let her ex gorilla get frisky with her. I guess nobody in this **** of characters ever saw a fence, gate, door, barrier, or wall, because no one had any semblance of boundaries. What was even more unbelievable was that multiple women were attracted to the talking parrot, and that Paul was seduced by the most wannabe emo teenager imaginable. The only explanation for the first is that the women confused their unquechable desire to murder him to get him to shut his yap with arousal in some sort of fundamental attribution error sort of psychology out of some intrinsic failure in human evolution. And for the latter, its that pauls brain works so slowly that not only does he not talk, he also cant conceive of the idea of telling the young brat to put some clothes on. What a thought that would've been.

The only reason this movie get's any points at all is because there was a sensual element to it, which managed to make it interesting for a couple minutes. That's how the movie was marketed, lean into it. Bring more seduction into it. For crying out loud, you literally aren't good at anything else, lean into the easiest part of making a film like this, and what creates the essential drama of these movies. Instead the director thought he was Tarantino. Disgusting. The only ones duped harder than those italian cops was me, I spent 3.99 to watch this high schooler final art project when I could've been watching my beard grow in the mirror. 1/10, never make another movie.
Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews