A Prophet

A Prophet

Year: 2010

Runtime: 155 min

Language: French

Director: Jacques Audiard

DramaCrime

A young man, Malik El Djebena, is sent to prison at the age of nineteen, vulnerable and lacking education. To survive the brutal environment dominated by a powerful Corsican gang, he must adapt quickly. He demonstrates courage and intelligence, rising within the prison hierarchy, but his ambition and desire for independence lead him into a dangerous conflict with the gang's formidable leader, setting off a tense power struggle.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Prophet yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – A Prophet (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Prophet (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary context, reflecting the complexities of the prison system and the socio-economic dynamics within it. The events unfold over the course of Malik's six-year sentence, highlighting the long-term implications of incarceration.

Location

Prison, Marseille

The prison serves as the main setting of the film, sharply dividing its inhabitants into Corsican and Maghrebi factions. It is known for its oppressive atmosphere where survival depends on cunning and alliances. Marseille, a vibrant city in France, is significant as it represents the outside world and the connections to the criminal underbelly Malik engages with.

🏢 Prison 🌍 Marseille

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Main Characters – A Prophet (2010)

Meet the key characters of A Prophet (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Malik El Djebena

Malik is a complex character whose journey from a vulnerable, illiterate young man to a cunning player in the prison's criminal hierarchy showcases his resilience and adaptability. His intelligence and determination help him navigate treacherous alliances, though he often grapples with the moral implications of his actions.

👦 Young 💪 Resilient 🎓 Intelligent

César Luciani

César is the ruthless leader of the Corsican faction, embodying the prison's oppressive power dynamics. He initially sees Malik as a tool for his ambitions but underestimates Malik's cunning and capacity for survival, setting off a dangerous game of manipulation and control.

👨‍⚖️ Ruthless 🚫 Manipulative 🔪 Power-hungry

Ryad

Ryad acts as Malik's mentor and friend, teaching him literacy and providing emotional support amidst the harsh realities of prison life. His character represents hope and camaraderie, elevating Malik's journey and serving as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with life in prison.

👫 Mentor 🌟 Hopeful 😔 Tragic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Major Themes – A Prophet (2010)

Explore the central themes of A Prophet (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗡️ Survival

The theme of survival is central to Malik's journey as he navigates the dangers of prison life. Caught between rival factions, he learns to adapt and outwit those who would harm him, illustrating the lengths one must go to in order to survive in a brutal environment.

🤝 Loyalty

Loyalty is a key theme, demonstrated through Malik's relationships with fellow inmates. His alliances shift as he balances the demands of the Corsican mobsters with his own moral compass, ultimately leading him to protect those he cares about, even in the darkest circumstances.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss permeates the film, particularly through Malik's experiences with Ryad and the haunting memory of Reyeb. These losses shape his identity and motivations, pushing him deeper into the world of crime and away from his own humanity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Unlock the Full Story of A Prophet

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Prophet in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Prophet is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Prophet Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Prophet, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Prophet Summary

A Prophet Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Prophet with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Prophet Timeline

More About A Prophet

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Prophet: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Prophet

Explore More About Movie A Prophet

A Prophet (2010) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

A Prophet (2010) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline