film / 2017
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Henry Turner and Carina Smyth seek Poseidon's Trident while the ghostly Salazar hunts Jack Sparrow.
Verified facts
- Runtime
- 2h 9m
- Director
- Joachim Rønning
- Released
- 2017
- Origin
- United States
PlotGeeks explainer signals
Why read this explainer
Henry's attempt to free Will and Carina's search for her father bring them to the trident. The two family stories have different outcomes, so breaking the curses does not resolve every loss.
PlotGeeks note
The younger travelers seek family connections the earlier adventures left unresolved. Breaking the curses restores one parent and makes another's final sacrifice possible.
Connected knowledge
Connected in PlotGeeks
Related explainers and browse pages for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
- Appears in Pirates of the Caribbean films in order
See where Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales belongs in the listed reading and viewing orders.
- Explore Family
Family can offer shelter, impose a role, or become the system a character must escape.
Timeline
Major events
- Henry seeks the trident
He wants to end the curse that keeps Will aboard the Flying Dutchman.
- Carina follows her father's map
Her astronomical knowledge joins the search as Salazar pursues Jack.
- Barbossa recognizes Carina
The pursuit reveals that the daughter searching for her father is his own child.
- The curses end
Henry breaks the trident, Will is freed, and Barbossa dies saving Carina from Salazar.
Story in 60 Seconds
The short version
Henry Turner searches for Poseidon's Trident because he believes it can free his father Will from the Flying Dutchman. Carina Smyth follows an astronomical map left by the father she has never known. Their searches converge with Jack Sparrow's flight from Salazar, a ghostly enemy released to hunt him. Barbossa joins the pursuit and discovers that Carina is his daughter. The trident promises a solution to the sea's curses, but reaching it draws together family obligations and old hostilities. Henry and Carina want answers that the older pirates have not been able or willing to give them.
Spoiler sectionEnding ExplainedShow ending detailsHide ending details
Henry breaks the trident, ending the sea curses and allowing Will to return to Elizabeth. Salazar becomes mortal, but still threatens Carina during the escape. Barbossa sacrifices himself to save her, acknowledging their connection through an act she survives. Jack leaves aboard the restored Black Pearl. The trident gives Henry the reunion he sought, while Carina discovers her father only to lose him as he protects her.
Original context
Why it matters
Carina's discovery arrives late
Carina learns who her father is during the dangerous journey. Barbossa's sacrifice makes their connection visible through protection, while denying them the extended reunion that Henry's family receives.
Key turning points
Breaking the trident changes the enemies
Ending the sea curses frees Will but also makes Salazar mortal. The escape still requires action after the object has delivered its promised effect.
Character links
Who connects to whom
Character motivations
Henry wants an ordinary reunion
Henry pursues the trident to bring Will home. His interest in its power begins with the long separation imposed on his parents, giving the treasure hunt a specific family purpose.
Explore the story
Creators, themes, and characters
Reading and watching order
Where this story fits
Films
Pirates of the Caribbean films in order
Watch the five released films in release order. The first three form one continuous conflict, while the fourth and fifth build on Jack, Barbossa, and the Turner family after that trilogy.
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