Waterworld (1995)

Waterworld (1995) is an American post-apocalyptic action film directed by Kevin Reynolds and co-written by Peter Rader and David Twohy. In the year 2500, rising sea levels have submerged every continent on Earth, leaving only rugged, floating communities known as atolls for human civilization to survive on. Many believe in the existence of a mythical ‘Dryland’ somewhere in the vast ocean, but others dismiss it as mere legend. The Mariner, a lone wanderer, arrives at an atoll on his trimaran with a valuable commodity – dirt – to trade for supplies. However, when some of the residents discover that he is a mutant with gills and webbed feet, they attack him and he defends himself by killing one of them. This leads to him being sentenced to death by drowning in a pit of organic sludge.

Before this can occur, the atoll falls under attack by the Smokers, a band of marauders determined to find a young girl named Enola. As per their leader, the Deacon, she possesses a map to Dryland etched onto her back. In an attempt to flee with Enola, her guardian Helen enlists the help of inventor Gregor and his gas balloon dirigible. However, in a mishap, the balloon is released with only Gregor on board. In dire straits, Helen strikes a deal with the Mariner and they all escape on his trimaran vessel, evading the Smokers’ pursuit. Later on, when a seaplane is sent by the Smokers to track them down, Helen uses a harpoon to disable it. Unfortunately, in doing so, damage is caused to the boat and as retribution, the Mariner cuts off Helen’s hair (and later Enola’s).