Armageddon

Armageddon

Year: 1977

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: French

Director: Alain Jessua

Thriller

After years of poverty, repairman Carrier inherits a fortune after his brother’s fatal accident. Suddenly rich, he seeks fame, becomes increasingly unstable, and threatens police and the government, signing tracts called “Armaguedon.” An Interpol detective leads the case and sets a trap at an international summit of world leaders in Paris.

Armageddon (1977) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Armageddon (1977) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where the line between ambition and obsession blurs, a modest repairman’s life is upended when a sudden inheritance elevates him from poverty to untold wealth. Carrier steps into his new reality with a fierce determination to leave an indelible mark, driven by a yearning for recognition that transcends his humble origins. The sudden influx of money becomes both a catalyst and a crucible, amplifying his inner turbulence and pushing him toward increasingly erratic behavior.

The film unfolds against a sleek, international backdrop—a continent still rattled by political unease and the ever‑present shadow of global surveillance. As Carrier begins to brandish his newfound power, he issues provocative manifestos that threaten to destabilize law‑enforcement agencies and governmental structures alike. The tone is tense and unsettling, mixing the cold precision of bureaucratic response with the volatile energy of a man whose sanity hangs in the balance.

The Interpol detective assigned to the case is a seasoned investigator whose own world is one of methodical restraint and measured patience. Drawn into a high‑stakes game of cat and mouse, the detective must navigate a labyrinth of clues, diplomatic intrigues, and the looming presence of an international summit in Paris. The impending conference of world leaders adds a layer of geopolitical pressure, turning personal madness into a potential global crisis.

Through stark visuals, starkly drawn characters, and a pulse‑quickening score, the story hints at the dangerous allure of fame and the thin veneer that separates order from chaos. As both the pursuer and the pursued circle ever closer, the audience is left to wonder whether the trap set amidst the glitter of diplomacy will contain the storm or simply amplify it.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:14

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about obsessive descent like Armageddon

Stories where a sudden fortune leads to psychological decline and societal conflict.Explore movies like Armageddon where a sudden inheritance or windfall triggers a character's psychological unraveling. These films feature tense confrontations with authority, a steady build of dread, and an ambiguous ending, perfect for viewers who enjoy character studies about ambition turning into obsession.

tensepsychologicalobsessiveunravelingdisillusionedparanoidconfrontational

Narrative Summary

These narratives often begin with a pivotal event—like an inheritance—that grants the protagonist a new sense of power. Instead of salvation, this triggers a spiral of increasingly unstable behavior, leading to high-stakes confrontations with institutions like the police or government, and concluding with an ambiguous resolution that questions the cost of their ambition.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared focus on a protagonist's psychological deterioration fueled by ambition or sudden change in fortune. They share a medium intensity, steady pacing that builds tension, and a bittersweet or ambiguous tone, creating a coherent experience of watching a character's world slowly crumble from within.

Thrillers with ambiguous endings like Armageddon

Character-driven thrillers where personal ambition leads to an uncertain fate.Discover thrillers with ambiguous endings like Armageddon. These films focus on characters whose ambitions lead to a moral collapse, ending not with a clear victory or defeat but with an uncertain future. They are perfect for viewers who appreciate stories that prioritize psychological depth and thematic resonance over neat conclusions.

reflectiveambiguoustensemoral ambiguitydisillusionedmelancholicunresolved

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a protagonist's escalating commitment to a cause or desire, which often isolates them and leads to morally questionable actions. The conflict is as much internal as external, and the story resists a clean, cathartic ending. Instead, it concludes at a moment of high tension or aftermath, leaving the character's future deliberately open to interpretation.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their shared narrative structure that prioritizes character ambiguity and moral complexity over plot resolution. They typically feature a medium complexity plot, a steady pacing that allows for character study, and an ambiguous ending feel, creating a cohesive viewing experience for those who enjoy contemplative and unresolved conclusions.

Unlock the Full Story of Armageddon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Armageddon 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 Armageddon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Armageddon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Armageddon, 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.

Armageddon Summary

Armageddon Timeline

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

Armageddon Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Armageddon

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Armageddon. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Armageddon

More About Armageddon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Armageddon: 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 Armageddon

Similar Movies to Armageddon

Discover movies like Armageddon that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.