A Bigger Splash

Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: May 4, 2016

6.7	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 89 Ratings

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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