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Moonrise Kingdom movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Moonrise Kingdom filmed?

2012

City Locations

Rhode Island (USA)

Location Types

House, Unusual, Riverside

Location Styles

Beachfront, Boat style, Cabin, ‘'50s-’60s-’70s, Building Dated, Rustic

About Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom is a 2012 coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama film written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola and directed by Wes Anderson. The film stars Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Jared Gilman, Jason Schwartzman, and Kara Hayward as the two young protagonists. Set in 1965 on the fictional New England island of New Penzance, it tells the story of two 12-year-old lovers who escape their families to unite.

The film follows Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), two troubled preteens from different backgrounds who flee their homes searching for each other. With the help of their friends and family members, they hide out on an isolated beach while avoiding police capture. Through their journey, they discover a newfound maturity as they battle personal adversity and learn to depend on one another for support.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Moonrise Kingdom has received an approval rating of 94% from 262 critics. With an average score of 8.24/10, the movie is deemed warm, whimsical, and poignant. It showcases Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best, with immaculately framed scenes and outstanding acting. The film competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes but only received the unofficial Palme de Whiskers award for the cat Tabitha.

It did not receive nominations from the Screen Actors Guild but won the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Feature. According to a journalist, it is a wild card in the awards campaign for the 85th Academy Awards. The Golden Globe nominated the movie for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. It also received two nominations for Best Film at the 17th Satellite Awards and five at the 28th Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature.

Moonrise Kingdom Locations

Moonrise Kingdom unfolds in the fictional town of New Penzance, Rhode Island. Most scenes were shot in the surrounding areas of Conanicut Island and South Kingstown, providing a stunning backdrop to this coming-of-age story. Suzy Bishop's family lighthouse, Summer's End, is located on North Conanicut Island, while Camp Ivanhoe is in South Kingstown on the mainland. Visitors can enjoy exploring the lovely area and its landmarks, such as Bay View Drive North and Camp Fuller Road.

You can follow a route for a movie tour starting at Camp Yawgoog, which is also Camp Ivanhoe in the film. Drive down to Point Judith Lighthouse, where Suzy uses her binoculars. Next, visit the Bishop's home, the Conanicut Island Lighthouse, in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Finally, you can discover Suzy and Sam's secret beach hideout by taking a short walk from Fort Wetherill State Park, located at the Southern tip of Conanicut Island.

The area has many natural wonders preserved for centuries, such as beaches, forests, and old buildings. Tourists can explore these majestic areas and get close to nature while soaking up the cinematic atmosphere - an experience they can only get from visiting Moonrise Kingdom's filming locations. The picturesque views are ideal for photographers or those who want to appreciate the Rhode Island landscape - a sight that could easily be mistaken for a movie set!

Suzy watches the world through her binoculars scene in the Moonrise Kingdom

1470 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA

Walt Bishop (Bill Murray) and Laura Bishop (Frances McDormand) play the parents of three young sons and a 12-year-old daughter named Suzy (Kara Hayward), who has a tendency to be isolated, secretive, and prone to outbursts. They all live together on New Penzance Island in New England. The period is the summer of 1965. One of the most memorable scenes from the movie is when Suzy Bishop watches the world through her binoculars from her family's lighthouse home on Conanicut Island.

The scene at Suzy's lighthouse gives viewers a sweeping view of Narragansett Bay with its rocky shoreline, blue waters, and lush green trees. The majestic structure stands tall against the backdrop of sky and sea, making it a perfect refuge for Suzy to escape into her world. It is also a symbol throughout the Moonrise Kingdom that serves as a reminder of Suzy’s home.

This beautiful former Jamestown lighthouse, Conanicut Light or Summer’s End, is located on Bay View Drive North in Jamestown. It was built in 1886 and earned its stripes as a National Historic Place. Please remember this is a private residence, so kindly avoid disturbing residents.

If you want to visit this historic location, you can get there by car or boat. If traveling by car, go via I-95 S and RI-4 S until you reach Wakefield. Then follow US-1 S/Tower Hill Rd to RI-108 S/Ocean Rd in Narragansett. If you are traveling by boat, you can see Point Judith on the way to Block Island by taking the ferry. Another option is to take the Block Island tour offered by Snappa Charters, which includes views of the lighthouse.

Sam Shakusky first meets with Suzy Bishop scene in Moonrise Kingdom

141 Spring St, Newport, RI 02840, USA

The scene from Moonrise Kingdom when Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) first meet is memorable, with its charming backdrop of the quaint church nestled among the trees in St. Jack Wood. The moment brings to life the magical wonderland of adventure and romance that captures the spirit of childhood innocence.

The church is a vibrant Victorian-style building with Gothic Revival elements, complete with a steeple that reaches up toward the sky. The real-life location is Trinity Church at 141 Spring Street in Newport, Rhode Island, and served as a filming location for Wes Anderson's 2012 film. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, adding charm to the place.

Trinity Church is minutes away from downtown Newport and accessible via Route 138. Alternatively, public transportation, such as the Trolley Line or bus line, can reach the church. Once there, visitors can admire the Gothic architecture of this beautiful building while also enjoying peaceful surroundings and scenic views.

Sam escapes from the camp scene in the Moonrise Kingdom

619 Camp Fuller Rd, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA

Troop 55 of the Khaki Scouts is attending Camp Ivanhoe during the summer under the supervision of Scoutmaster Randy Ward (Edward Norton). During the night, 12-year-old Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman), the least liked among the scouts, ran away from the camp. He left a resignation letter for the Scouts and took a canoe and supplies with him. Sam escapes from camp to continue his journey with Suzy (Kara Hayward).

Camp Fuller, the film set for the Moonrise Kingdom scene, offers 68 acres of stunning forest and coastline. It provides an ideal setting for kids aged 7-17 to discover self-expression, build life skills, and form enduring friendships. It is crucial to clarify the treehouse and scoutmaster are fictional. However, the film did feature some local scouts as extras. The scene is one of many that have become renowned for capturing childhood's beauty, innocence, and nostalgia. The whimsical feel evoked by this sequence has made it an enduring image in popular culture, remembered fondly by audiences worldwide.

The real-life location is 619 Camp Fuller Rd in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. It is accessible via Route 1 or Interstate 95 on South Shore. From there, it is a short drive down Camp Fuller Road until you reach your destination!

Captain Sharp calls Sam’s family scene in Moonrise Kingdom

3 Frank Coelho Dr, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA

In this scene, Scoutmaster Ward (Edward Norton) informs Police Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis) of Sam's (Jared Gilman) absence. Captain Sharp calls what he assumes is Sam's home, and it saddens Ward and Captain Sharp that their only option is to turn Sam over to Social Services once they find him.

The scene set in the Island Police beach house on the dock came to life near a famous French-style chateau in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The emotional undertones of the scene capture the essence of Moonrise Kingdom, a coming-of-age story surrounding two young children running away from home and facing obstacles along the way.

Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, provided the backdrop for the scene. This beautiful estate, styled after French chateaus, features exquisitely decorated rooms, well-maintained formal gardens, expansive lawns leading to the waterfront, and impressive patios. It is perfect for hosting events or capturing memorable photographs. Additionally, the estate has a dock that extends into the Sakonnet River, providing stunning views.

To get to Glen Manor House from Newport, take E Main Road in Middletown and exit Route 138 east towards Portsmouth Center. Turn left at the traffic circle onto East Main Road and continue until you reach Frank Coelho Drive on your right. The address is 3 Frank Coelho Drive, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Suzy and Sam's secret beach hideout scene in Moonrise Kingdom

3 Fort Wetherill Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, USA

The scene between Suzy (Kara Hayward) and Sam (Jared Gilman) in the Moonrise Kingdom is an intimate moment that captures the two's growing bond. Set against a beautiful background, they spend their time at the cove swimming, dancing on the beach, and having their first kiss.

Sam goes above and beyond for Suzy by making her earrings out of green beetles and fish hooks. This gesture is one small vignette that encapsulates the entire movie - about two young kids finding solace from their troubled lives in each other.

Fort Wetherill State Park at the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Rhode Island provided the backdrop for the Moonrise Kingdom cove. The bay here offers incredible views over Narragansett Bay, and its colorful surroundings make it an ideal location for capturing such a heartfelt moment between two young teenagers finding solace from their troubled lives in each other.

Fort Wetherill State Park is approximately 7 miles southeast of Newport along Ocean Drive (the main route down Conanicut Island). By sea, it is off the entrance to Narragansett Bay near Jamestown.

Ben helps Sam and Suzy escape scene in Moonrise Kingdom

Yawgoog Scout Reservation, Rockville, Rhode Island, USA

The scene in Moonrise Kingdom takes place on the fictional island of St. Jack Wood island. Ben (played by Jason Schwartzman), who is a Khaki Scout working at Fort Lebanon, attempts to help Sam (played by Jared Gilman) and Suzy (played by Kara Hayward) escape. His plan involves taking them on a crabbing boat, where Sam can work as a crewman to avoid being caught by Social Services.

Before they leave, Ben performs a non-legally binding "wedding" ceremony. However, Sam and Suzy don't make it onto the crabbing boat as her parents, Captain Sharp, Social Services, and the Scouts of Fort Lebanon, led by Ward, pursue them instead.

Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Rhode Island, served as the setting for the film. It is one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in the United States, established in 1916, and has extensively served as a location, including Moonrise Kingdom.

It is located on nearly 1,800 acres of land surrounded by lakes, forests, and hiking trails, making it an ideal setting for outdoor adventure activities such as camping, fishing, and canoeing.

To get to Yawgoog Scout Reservation from Providence, take I-95 South until Exit 7. Take this road until you reach RI-138 W, which will take you to Rockville, where you'll find the Yawgoog Scout Reservation.

Conclusion

Moonrise Kingdom (2012) is a delightful coming-of-age romance drama directed by Wes Anderson. It follows the story of two twelve-year-old kids, Suzy (Kara Hayward) and Sam (Jared Gilman), who run away from their home on an island and start living together in a remote area.

The movie is set in the ‘60s and features beautiful nostalgia-inducing cinematography that gives the film a dreamy feel. The stunning landscapes provide a compelling reason for any big fan to embark on a Moonrise Kingdom filming locations tour.

The performances by all the actors are top-notch, particularly for the two young leads, Kara Hayward as Suzy and Jared Gilman as Sam. Their chemistry is undeniably charming, as they manage to bring an innocence to their characters that captures the very essence of being twelve.

In terms of its contribution to the movie industry, Moonrise Kingdom proves itself yet again as one of Wes Anderson's masterpieces - it has become a classic since its release in 2012. It continues to be talked about fondly today.

If you love good cinema, then Moonrise Kingdom should be worth watching - it is whimsical yet profound, authentic yet imaginative; Anderson creates a lush world full of wonderment that will make you smile along with its characters even through all its hardships.