How to Watch A Bigger Splash on Netflix in the US with a VPN (2026)

A Bigger Splash (2015) is available on Netflix in the United Kingdom. The official Netflix UK movie page confirms the psychological thriller starring Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Dakota Johnson. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film follows a famous rock singer and her partner during an Italian island vacation that takes a dangerous turn when an old lover arrives with his daughter.

Unfortunately, A Bigger Splash is not currently available on Netflix US. According to JustWatch’s US streaming information, American viewers can rent or purchase the movie through services such as Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Netflix UK has the movie in its catalog, and Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN all provide UK VPN connections.

However, connecting to a UK VPN server does not guarantee access to the British Netflix catalog. Netflix may detect VPN traffic and restrict the available titles to movies and shows with worldwide licensing rights. According to Netflix’s official VPN guidance, VPN connections also do not work with ad-supported subscriptions. Users must follow Netflix’s licensing restrictions and their VPN provider’s terms when accessing streaming services.

How to watch A Bigger Splash on Netflix with a VPN

Netflix UK currently lists A Bigger Splash, but actual playback depends on your account, location, subscription, and the platform’s VPN restrictions. The following steps explain how to check the movie using a supported connection.

1. Choose a VPN provider. Private Internet Access is our first recommendation because of its UK streaming-optimized location, followed by ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN application from the provider’s official website. Choose the version that supports your Windows PC, Mac, smartphone, or other device.
3. Connect to a United Kingdom server where your physical location and provider terms permit it. PIA offers UK Streaming Optimized, ExpressVPN lists several UK locations, and NordVPN provides UK servers in multiple cities.
4. Fully close Netflix before changing your connection. Exit the Netflix application or close all browser tabs running the streaming service.
5. Reopen Netflix after the VPN establishes a stable connection. Confirm that your device can access the internet normally.
6. Sign in using your existing Netflix account and select your preferred viewing profile.
7. Search for A Bigger Splash and confirm that Netflix displays the 2015 movie starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes.
8. Start playback if the film appears and Netflix permits access under your subscription, location, and applicable service terms.

You can compare the search result with the official A Bigger Splash Netflix UK listing. The page identifies the movie as a 2015 thriller and confirms that it features English original audio and English subtitles.

The film runs for approximately two hours and takes place primarily on the Italian island of Pantelleria. Its story revolves around Marianne Lane, her partner Paul, former lover Harry, and Harry’s daughter Penelope. Checking these details helps distinguish the film from other works with similar titles, including the 1973 documentary A Bigger Splash.

Keep in mind that opening an official Netflix title page does not guarantee that Netflix will authorize playback. The streaming service may identify an active VPN and display only globally licensed content. If the film does not appear, check your account settings and follow Netflix’s official troubleshooting advice.

Best VPNs for watching A Bigger Splash on Netflix

All three VPN providers offer United Kingdom connections, but their server directories and connection options differ. The comparison below uses officially documented UK locations rather than estimated server locations.

VPN	Server locations in the United Kingdom	Option to try first
Private Internet Access (Editor’s Choice)	UK London, UK Manchester, UK Southampton, UK Tottenham, UK Streaming Optimized	UK Streaming Optimized, where permitted
ExpressVPN	UK – Docklands, East London, London, Manchester, Midlands, Tottenham, Wembley	UK – London
NordVPN	Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester; 853 UK servers advertised	Automatic United Kingdom connection

PIA offers five documented UK location choices, including a specialized streaming connection. ExpressVPN provides seven named UK locations, while NordVPN advertises 853 servers across the country at the time of this research.

These options can improve privacy and provide different network routes. However, server availability does not guarantee access to Netflix UK movies from the United States. Streaming rights, Netflix VPN detection, and provider restrictions still apply.

1. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is our Editor’s Choice because it offers several documented UK server locations, a dedicated streaming-optimized option, and flexible connection settings. The provider also publishes detailed instructions for configuring its application and troubleshooting streaming problems.

According to the official PIA server location directory, the provider offers five UK locations: UK London, UK Manchester, UK Southampton, UK Tottenham, and UK Streaming Optimized.

The UK Streaming Optimized entry is particularly relevant for users who want a connection tuned for ordinary streaming performance. PIA describes these specialized endpoints as options designed to provide stable connections for streaming services.

For eligible users physically located in the United Kingdom, UK Streaming Optimized provides a sensible starting point. UK London offers a standard location that users can select when they prefer a general-purpose server.

Other documented options include UK Manchester, UK Southampton, and UK Tottenham. These choices can help users troubleshoot connection instability or select an endpoint that performs better with their internet provider.

To select a UK location, open the PIA app and click the VPN SERVER section. Search for United Kingdom or enter streaming to find the optimized server. Choose the preferred location and activate the connection.

The PIA Windows installation and usage guide explains the server selector, connection controls, and application settings. Users can also inspect latency information and save frequently used locations.

PIA supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN. WireGuard offers an efficient connection protocol with relatively low overhead, making it a practical default for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

OpenVPN provides another established option for networks where the default connection encounters problems. Changing protocols may improve reliability, although it cannot override Netflix’s licensing decisions or VPN detection.

Another consideration is whether a VPN location uses physical or virtual infrastructure. PIA explains the difference in its virtual server location documentation.

A virtual VPN location supplies an IP address associated with one country while the physical server operates in another. PIA does not list the United Kingdom among the virtual country locations in its published virtual server table. However, that does not establish the exact data center address or hardware location of every UK endpoint.

Users should also understand that VPN performance depends on more than server location. Internet speed, network congestion, Wi-Fi stability, device performance, and distance from the server can all affect streaming quality.

If ordinary streaming becomes unstable, PIA recommends clearing browser cookies and cached information, disconnecting and reconnecting, and updating the VPN application. Its official streaming support guide explains these troubleshooting procedures.

There is an important restriction for American viewers. PIA explicitly instructs users to connect to a server in the country where they are physically located. The company also prohibits using its service to circumvent geographic restrictions imposed by streaming providers.

Consequently, a US subscriber should not treat PIA’s UK server availability as authorization to access Netflix UK’s regional catalog. PIA offers useful privacy and security features, but it does not guarantee access to A Bigger Splash through Netflix.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN ranks second because it provides seven officially documented UK server locations and supports multiple modern VPN protocols. Its application makes it relatively simple to switch between available destinations when troubleshooting ordinary network problems.

The official ExpressVPN server directory lists UK – Docklands, UK – East London, UK – London, UK – Manchester, UK – Midlands, UK – Tottenham, and UK – Wembley.

For users authorized to connect through the United Kingdom, UK – London provides a straightforward starting option. If that location experiences connectivity issues, UK – Manchester and UK – East London offer alternative endpoints.

ExpressVPN also documents UK – Docklands, UK – Midlands, UK – Tottenham, and UK – Wembley. Having multiple locations can help users select a connection that performs more consistently with their internet service provider.

To choose a location, launch ExpressVPN, open the location selector, and search for the United Kingdom. Select a specific UK entry and wait for the application to confirm the connection.

ExpressVPN supports Lightway UDP, Lightway TCP, WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, and OpenVPN TCP across its listed UK locations. The provider also lists IKEv2 support, although the available protocols can differ between platforms.

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary connection protocol, designed to establish secure connections efficiently. The UDP version generally favors responsiveness, while TCP can prove useful on networks where packet delivery or filtering creates problems.

WireGuard provides another efficient VPN protocol on supported devices. OpenVPN remains an alternative for users who need compatibility with certain routers or network configurations.

ExpressVPN also distinguishes between physical and virtual server locations. Its official virtual server documentation explains that virtual locations provide an IP address in one country while hosting the hardware elsewhere.

The current ExpressVPN directory does not mark its UK entries as virtual locations. However, users should not assume a specific physical building or data center based solely on a location name such as Docklands or Wembley.

The provider also documents upgraded 40Gbps infrastructure for East London and Tottenham. These higher-capacity servers may help reduce congestion under demanding network conditions, although actual user speeds still depend on the connection and routing.

If ExpressVPN connects but websites fail to load, consult its official content access troubleshooting guide. The provider recommends checking location permissions, confirming authorization to use the service, and selecting an appropriate matching connection.

For Netflix specifically, ExpressVPN’s Netflix streaming support documentation advises users to connect to a server in their actual country. It also prohibits circumventing geographic restrictions imposed by content providers.

This restriction matters when considering A Bigger Splash. Although ExpressVPN operates several British server locations, American viewers cannot assume that those locations provide authorized access to Netflix UK’s movie catalog.

Even with a permitted connection, Netflix may detect VPN traffic and restrict the available movie selection. ExpressVPN cannot control Netflix’s regional rights or guarantee that A Bigger Splash will appear.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN ranks third in our comparison. It provides an extensive UK server network, automatic connection selection, the NordLynx protocol, and SmartPlay technology for supported streaming connections.

According to the official NordVPN UK server page, the provider advertises 853 servers in the United Kingdom. It identifies four selectable cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester.

These cities give users several options for choosing a location based on network conditions and personal preferences. The published server count represents the provider’s advertised inventory during this research and may change.

To connect, open the NordVPN application and select the United Kingdom from the country list or map. The app automatically chooses a suitable server.

Users who want more control can open the country options and choose a specific city. London provides a reasonable starting location, while Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow offer alternatives.

NordVPN uses NordLynx, its WireGuard-based VPN protocol, to provide efficient encrypted connections. NordLynx generally offers strong performance with relatively little overhead, although results vary by network and device.

Another important feature is SmartPlay. According to NordVPN’s official SmartPlay documentation, the feature activates automatically whenever a user connects through the NordVPN application.

SmartPlay combines VPN functionality with DNS-related technology to help users securely access supported streaming services. It changes the visible public IP address, encrypts traffic, and adjusts DNS routing through the VPN connection.

Unlike a standalone SmartDNS configuration, SmartPlay requires no additional setup when users connect through the official NordVPN application.

However, SmartPlay does not guarantee access to Netflix movies licensed only for particular countries. Netflix can still detect VPN connections and show a restricted catalog.

For general connection troubleshooting, users can restart the NordVPN app, verify their internet connection, select another available server, or review their connection protocol.

The UK server network also includes specialty server categories, although these should not be confused with locations specifically verified for Netflix playback. Double VPN and other specialty connections serve different privacy purposes and may add connection overhead.

For A Bigger Splash, NordVPN’s UK coverage confirms that the provider has relevant country connections. It does not establish that an American Netflix subscriber can stream the movie from the United States.

What to do if A Bigger Splash does not appear

Sometimes a movie does not appear in Netflix search results even when an official country-specific listing exists. The most common explanations include licensing restrictions, VPN detection, profile settings, and outdated application information.

1. Close Netflix completely and make sure no browser tabs or background application sessions remain open.
2. Disconnect from your current VPN connection.
3. Reconnect to the United Kingdom if your location and provider terms permit that connection.
4. Try another officially documented UK server or location when troubleshooting ordinary connectivity problems.
5. Clear Netflix cookies and your browser cache to remove outdated session information.
6. Open a new incognito or private browsing window.
7. Reopen Netflix and sign into your existing account.
8. Search for A Bigger Splash and confirm that the result identifies the 2015 thriller.

PIA users have UK Streaming Optimized, UK London, UK Manchester, UK Southampton, and UK Tottenham. ExpressVPN users can compare UK – London, UK – Manchester, or UK – East London. NordVPN users can select London, Manchester, Glasgow, or Edinburgh.

These alternatives can help resolve ordinary network congestion or temporary server problems. However, changing VPN servers does not guarantee access to content restricted by Netflix’s regional licensing agreements.

Netflix explains in its missing movie troubleshooting documentation that titles may be unavailable because of regional licensing, maturity restrictions, profile language settings, or VPN detection.

Make sure you are searching for the correct film. A Bigger Splash (2015) features Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, while A Bigger Splash (1973) is a documentary about British artist David Hockney. The two films have different stories and availability.

If Netflix displays a VPN or proxy error, follow its instructions and turn off the VPN. Doing so may restore your ordinary Netflix US catalog, although it will not make A Bigger Splash available on Netflix US.

Netflix may detect the VPN

A VPN changes the public IP address that websites see by routing traffic through a remote server. A UK VPN endpoint may therefore make a connection appear to originate from the United Kingdom rather than the user’s physical location.

However, Netflix uses regional licensing agreements to determine which movies subscribers can access. An apparent British IP address does not automatically provide unrestricted access to Netflix UK.

According to Netflix’s VPN and proxy error guidance, users may encounter playback errors when the platform detects an unsupported VPN connection.

Netflix may also limit the visible catalog to movies and shows with worldwide rights. This means A Bigger Splash could remain missing even while the VPN reports a successful connection.

Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN can provide privacy and encrypted connections, but none can override Netflix’s licensing agreements or guarantee that a specific regional movie will play.

Can you use a Netflix ad-supported plan with a VPN?

No. Netflix does not support VPN connections for its ad-supported streaming experience. Subscribers using these plans may encounter an error message when Netflix identifies a VPN or proxy.

Netflix’s ad-supported VPN error documentation explains that users should disconnect their VPN to restore normal playback.

An ad-free subscription avoids this particular restriction, but it does not guarantee access to movies from other countries. Netflix can still detect VPN connections and limit the available library.

Upgrading to an ad-free Netflix plan should therefore not be considered a guaranteed method for accessing A Bigger Splash through Netflix UK.

Does changing the VPN location change your Netflix account?

Changing your VPN location does not automatically change your Netflix email address, password, billing details, subscription country, or saved profiles. It changes the public IP address associated with your internet connection.

Netflix catalogs vary because movie studios and distributors license streaming rights by geographic region. A film available in the United Kingdom may not appear in the United States, even though both countries use Netflix.

Netflix’s account country guidance explains that users cannot manually change the country associated with their accounts unless they move to another country. VPN recognition can also limit regional content.

For American viewers, current US streaming alternatives for A Bigger Splash include rentals and digital purchases through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. These options let viewers watch the movie through authorized US storefronts without relying on another country’s Netflix catalog.

Which VPN should you use?

Private Internet Access is our first recommendation because it provides UK London, Manchester, Southampton, Tottenham, and a dedicated UK Streaming Optimized connection. Its WireGuard and OpenVPN support also gives users flexibility for normal network troubleshooting. However, PIA instructs users to connect to servers matching their physical country and prohibits circumventing geographic content restrictions, so it cannot be presented as a guaranteed solution for US viewers seeking Netflix UK.

ExpressVPN ranks second with seven documented UK server locations, including London, Manchester, East London, Docklands, Midlands, Tottenham, and Wembley. NordVPN comes third with 853 advertised UK servers across Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester, plus NordLynx and automatically enabled SmartPlay. Both provide useful privacy and connection features, but neither guarantees playback of regionally licensed Netflix titles.

As of October 29, 2026, A Bigger Splash (2015) is listed on Netflix UK, while Netflix US does not carry the movie in its subscription catalog. Regional licensing, VPN detection, subscription restrictions, and provider terms can prevent access. American viewers who cannot watch through Netflix can rent or purchase the film from authorized US digital stores instead.