Tideland 2005
"The squirrels made it seem less lonely"
Terry Gilliam's surreal 2005 fantasy-drama *Tideland* plunges into a hauntingly imaginative world where childhood innocence meets adult decay.
Director: Terry Gilliam
Cast
Jodelle Ferland
Jeliza-Rose / Voices Sateen Lips, Glitter Gal, Mustique and Baby Blonde
Janet McTeer
Dell
Brendan Fletcher
Dickens
Jennifer Tilly
Queen Gunhilda
Jeff Bridges
Noah
Dylan Taylor
Patrick
Wendy Anderson
Woman / Squirrel's Voice
Sally Crooks
Dell's Mother
Alden Adair
Luke (uncredited)
Mitch Cullin
Bus Passenger (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tideland (2005) about?
*Tideland* follows Jeliza-Rose, a young girl left alone in a decaying countryside estate after her parents abandon her. To cope with her isolation, she retreats into a vivid fantasy world populated by doll-headed guides and larger-than-life characters. The film blends dark humor with raw emotion as she navigates a reality that's as harsh as it is surreal.
Who directed Tideland?
Terry Gilliam, the renowned director behind *Brazil* and *The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus*, helmed *Tideland* with his signature blend of fantasy and psychological depth.
Who stars in Tideland?
The film features standout performances from Jodelle Ferland as Jeliza-Rose, Brendan Fletcher as the eccentric neighbor, and Janet McTeer as the no-nonsense housekeeper, alongside Jeff Bridges and Jennifer Tilly in supporting roles.
Is Tideland (2005) worth watching?
*Tideland* is a divisive but unforgettable film—perfect for fans of Gilliam's offbeat style or those who appreciate stories that challenge perceptions of reality. Its themes of resilience and imagination make it a thought-provoking watch, though its unsettling tone may not appeal to everyone.
How long is Tideland?
The film runs for 120 minutes, or exactly 2 hours.
🎥 Trailer
About Tideland (2005) — Terry Gilliam's Dark Fantasy Masterpiece Explored
Terry Gilliam's surreal 2005 fantasy-drama *Tideland* plunges into a hauntingly imaginative world where childhood innocence meets adult decay. Jodelle Ferland stars as Jeliza-Rose, a resourceful young girl abandoned by her neglectful parents on a crumbling rural estate, where her vivid daydreams become her only solace. Surrounded by eccentric neighbors—including a quirky drug dealer (Brendan Fletcher) and a larger-than-life housekeeper (Janet McTeer)—she crafts a fragile reality, blurring the line between fantasy and harsh truth. With Jeff Bridges as her absent father and Jennifer Tilly as a whimsical figure from her imagination, Gilliam weaves a visually striking tale that explores resilience, loneliness, and the power of the mind to shield us from pain.
The film's eerie atmosphere is heightened by its grotesque yet poetic imagery, as Jeliza-Rose's plastic doll heads serve as her guides through a landscape that's both enchanting and unsettling. Themes of abandonment and survival intertwine with moments of dark humor, creating a tone that's as unpredictable as it is poignant. *Tideland (2005)* isn't just a story about a child's imagination—it's a meditation on how we all retreat into our own minds when the world becomes too much to bear.
