Directed by
Espen Sandberg
Discover the intricate plot of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Two years after the events of At World’s End, 12-year-old Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) braves the treacherous waters aboard the Flying Dutchman to deliver a crucial message to his father, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom). He believes that the fabled Trident of Poseidon could break Will’s curse and free him from the ship’s grasp. However, Will is skeptical about the Trident’s existence and harshly orders Henry to leave, forbidding him to return.
Fast forward nine years—Henry, now serving on a British Royal Navy warship, comes across a threatening pirate ship while pursuing it on orders. Signs of danger loom when he realizes they are sailing directly into the Devil’s Triangle, but his captain disregards his warnings, resulting in Henry being imprisoned for mutiny. As their journey takes a sinister turn into the Triangle, the ship is besieged by undead sailors led by the fearsome Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem). Salazar, an undead pirate hunter with a vendetta against Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), sees a wanted poster of Jack in Henry’s cell and spares Henry’s life, tasking him with delivering a dire message—that death is on its way for Jack.
In the bustling locale of Saint Martin, a young woman named Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario) faces execution for witchcraft due to her deep knowledge of astronomy and horology. In a twist of fate, she encounters Jack while he’s engaged in a heist, yet soon finds herself imprisoned. Meanwhile, Henry emerges as the lone survivor of his shipwreck, waking in a military hospital, only to discover both he and Carina are sentenced to die for their supposed crimes. Their paths cross again when Carina reveals that she possesses a method to locate the elusive Trident, leading to a daring escape attempt together. However, she is captured by the British Army during their flight.
After experiencing a stinging loss of support from his crew, Jack feels compelled to return to town. In a local tavern, he trades his magical compass for a drink, unwittingly causing the Devil’s Triangle barrier to fall, thereby freeing Salazar and his crew to hunt for revenge. Shortly after, both Jack and Carina find themselves in the clutches of the British Army, but thanks to Henry’s quick thinking, they manage to flee aboard Jack’s ship, the Dying Gull. Carina unveils a map connected to the Trident, a crucial piece linking her past as she opens up about her father who left her with a diary that reveals the map’s secrets.
As they set sail, the daunting presence of Salazar continues to wreak havoc, destroying ships and searching for Jack. Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) strikes a deal with Salazar to save his fleet in exchange for Jack’s whereabouts, recounting how Jack once trapped them in the Triangle. When Salazar’s ship catches up to the Dying Gull, the trio devises an escape plan, and during a harrowing chase, they arrive at an uncharted island, realizing Salazar’s crew is powerless on land.
In an unexpected turn of events, Barbossa assists Jack by retrieving the Black Pearl from its bottle and entrusts Carina with navigating them further. Amidst this action, they uncover the truth of Carina’s lineage as Barbossa’s daughter, a revelation that deepens her connection with both men. As they evade the British Navy and proceed to the Trident’s location, a series of thrilling encounters ensue, leading to Henry’s capture by Salazar.
The final showdown takes place underwater as Jack and Carina attempt to retrieve the Trident from Salazar. In a moment of sheer determination, Henry shatters the Trident, eliminating all sea curses. As the ocean caves in, Barbossa extends his heroic final act, sacrificing himself to protect Carina while fulfilling his role as a father. This dramatic climax ensures their safety, yet leaves a poignant note of loss.
Back aboard the Black Pearl, Carina proudly takes on her father’s name, announcing to Henry that her surname is now Barbossa. Later, they witness Will finally stepping foot on land after years of being bound to the Dutchman. In a beautiful culmination, Henry and Carina share their first kiss, marking the beginning of their story together while Will joyfully reunites with his wife, Elizabeth.
In a cliffhanger post-credits scene, Will and Elizabeth are startled awake by the silhouette of Davy Jones, hinting at future troubles that may once again unsettle their newfound peace.
Track the key events of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Henry's Determination
Two years after the events of *At World's End*, 12-year-old Henry Turner embarks on a daring journey aboard the Flying Dutchman. He is driven by the hope of delivering a crucial message to his father, Will Turner, believing in the existence of the fabled Trident of Poseidon that could break Will's curse.
Will's Refusal
Upon Henry's arrival, Will expresses skepticism about the Trident's existence and harshly orders his son to leave. Will's strong denial and protective instincts further motivate Henry to seek out the mystifying artifact.
Henry Joins the Navy
Fast forward nine years, Henry, now a young man, serves aboard a British Royal Navy warship. While pursuing a pirate ship, he discovers that they are heading into the dangerous Devil's Triangle, but his warnings go unheeded by the captain.
Imprisoned for Mutiny
As they enter the treacherous waters of the Triangle, the ship is attacked and overrun by undead sailors led by the vengeful Captain Salazar. After a mutiny against his captain's orders, Henry finds himself imprisoned, facing dire consequences.
Salazar's Threat
While imprisoned, Henry encounters Salazar, who shows interest in him after seeing a wanted poster of Captain Jack Sparrow. Salazar spares Henry's life, using him as a messenger to deliver a grave warning to Jack about an approaching death.
Carina's Predicament
In Saint Martin, a young woman named Carina Smyth faces execution due to her extensive knowledge of astronomy and horology, which is mistaken for witchcraft. Her fate takes a turn when she crosses paths with Jack Sparrow during a chaotic heist.
Escape Attempt
After discovering they are both sentenced to die, Henry and Carina team up in a daring escape attempt. However, during their flight, Carina is captured by the British Army, complicating their quest for freedom.
Jack's Desperation
Following a loss of crew support, Jack returns to town in search of solace. In a misguided decision, he trades his magical compass, inadvertently releasing Salazar and setting off a chain of events that endangers them all.
Fleeing the British Army
After being captured by the British Army, Jack, Henry, and Carina manage to escape thanks to Henry's quick thinking. They flee to the ship Dying Gull, where Carina reveals a map that may lead them to the Trident.
Salazar's Revenge
As they sail towards the location of the Trident, Salazar relentless pursues them, wreaking havoc on nearby ships. Simultaneously, Captain Barbossa makes a deal with Salazar in hopes of saving his own fleet, intensifying the tension.
Uncharted Island
During a chaotic chase, the crew narrowly escapes and discovers an uncharted island where Salazar's crew is powerless. This moment grants them a brief respite but the threat from Salazar looms ever larger.
Barbossa's Sacrifice
In an act of bravery, Barbossa retrieves the Black Pearl from a bottle and sacrifices his life to protect Carina while revealing a deep family connection. His sacrifice serves as a poignant demonstration of fatherly love.
Breaking the Curse
In the climactic underwater battle, Henry shatters the Trident, which eliminates all sea curses and saves his companions. This act of courage not only frees Will but also seals Barbossa's fate in a tragic yet heroic manner.
Reunion and New Beginnings
After the dangers have subsided, Carina embraces her newfound identity as Barbossa, delighting in the connection with her father. Meanwhile, Will finally steps onto land, joyfully reuniting with Elizabeth after years of separation.
A Cliffhanger
In a post-credits scene, Will and Elizabeth are shocked awake by the ominous silhouette of Davy Jones, signaling that new challenges await them. This sets the stage for potential future adventures and unresolved conflicts.
Meet the characters that bring Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Henry Turner
Henry Turner is a determined and brave young man who is eager to free his father from the curse of the Flying Dutchman. He exhibits a strong sense of duty and courage as he faces numerous challenges, including encounters with undead pirates. His resourcefulness proves significant in navigating the treacherous waters.
Carina Smyth
Carina Smyth is an intelligent and resourceful young woman, accused of witchcraft due to her knowledge of astronomy and horology. Her journey reveals her true heritage and connection to Barbossa, highlighting her evolution into a strong character who defies societal norms. She brings both wit and resilience to the narrative.
Captain Salazar
Captain Salazar is a fearsome undead pirate with a fierce vendetta against Captain Jack Sparrow. His character is fueled by revenge and a quest for justice, and he embodies the horrors that haunt the seas. His presence drives the conflict and adds tension to the story.
Captain Jack Sparrow
Captain Jack Sparrow is the charismatic and unpredictable pirate whose antics often lead him into trouble. Despite his laid-back demeanor, he is cunning and resourceful, navigating complex situations with flair. His relationships with other characters add depth and humor to the plot.
Captain Barbossa
Captain Barbossa is a complex character who evolves from an antagonist to a nuanced ally. His cunning nature and pirate savvy are matched by his deep sense of loyalty, particularly to his newfound daughter, Carina. His sacrifice toward the end showcases his growth and depth.
Uncover the settings of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
9 years after At World's End
The movie takes place nine years after the previous film, a period marked by conflict on the high seas and the rise of piracy. This timeframe showcases the struggles of characters like Henry Turner and the shifting allegiances among pirates and the British Navy.
Location
Devil's Triangle, Saint Martin, Dying Gull, Black Pearl, Flying Dutchman, uncharted island
The Devil's Triangle is a notoriously dangerous area of the sea, known for shipwrecks and ghostly tales. Saint Martin serves as a bustling location where characters face pivotal trials, such as the threat of execution for witchcraft. The Dying Gull and the Black Pearl represent legendary ships, filled with adventure and peril on the high seas.
Explore the core themes of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Adventure
The film embodies adventure through the pursuit of the fabled Trident of Poseidon and the high-stakes encounters with the undead. Characters embark on daring quests across the ocean, facing threats and challenges that forge unexpected alliances.
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Identity
The theme of identity interweaves through personal journeys, particularly for Carina as she discovers her parentage and for Henry as he seeks to define his legacy. The characters' identities are tied to familial bonds and their unexpected destinies, culminating in personal growth.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice plays a prominent role, especially in Barbossa's ultimate act to save Carina. This theme highlights the lengths individuals go to protect those they care about, revealing deeper emotional connections that resonate throughout their adventures.
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