Army of Shadows

Philippe Gerbier is apprehended by the Vichy French police after they suspect him of being involved in Resistance activities. Despite being acquitted for lack of evidence, he is sent to an internment camp, marking the beginning of his tumultuous journey in the Resistance.

Within the internment camp, Gerbier teams up with a young Communist to devise an escape plan. They share their ideas, hoping for freedom, but their plans are disrupted when Gerbier is unexpectedly transferred to Paris for interrogation by the Gestapo.

While being interrogated in Paris, Gerbier seizes a fleeting opportunity to kill a guard and makes a daring escape. This critical moment solidifies his commitment to the fight against the oppressive regime.

Gerbier and his fellow Resistance members devise a plan to capture Paul Dounat, who betrayed him. They lure him into a trap and, despite the inability to utilize firearms, resort to strangling him in a grim execution of their plan.

During a chance encounter at a bar, Félix reunites with his old friend Jean-François Jardie. Persuaded by Félix’s enthusiasm, Jean-François decides to join the underground operations, bringing valuable skills from his previous experiences as a pilot.

Jean-François embarks on a mission to assist in evacuating Allied soldiers from the Mediterranean. He is joined by Gerbier and the mysterious figure known as the 'Big Boss,' who is later revealed to be Luc, brother of Jean-François.

Upon arriving in London, Gerbier attempts to secure additional resources for the Resistance from Free French leaders. Meanwhile, Luc is honored with a decoration from Charles de Gaulle, highlighting his contributions behind the scenes.

After learning that Félix has been captured by the Gestapo, Gerbier makes a hasty return to France. He parachutes back into the countryside, once again placing himself in grave danger to save his comrade.

In Lyon, Mathilde, a determined housewife involved in the Resistance, assumes control of Gerbier's cell. Her strategic prowess impresses Gerbier, and he involves her in his plans to rescue Félix from Gestapo headquarters.

Mathilde and her team attempt to rescue Félix, disguised as Germans and armed with a forged order. Their bold effort is thwarted when the prison doctor deems Félix unfit for transport, highlighting the risks they face in their struggle.

In a pivotal moment, Jean-François makes the drastic decision to resign from the Resistance, coordinating his imprisonment with Félix to ensure they are together. His act of self-sacrifice comes from a place of friendship and loyalty.

Despite Mathilde's urging to remain safe, Gerbier adamantly refuses to withdraw from the fight. He believes that his leadership is essential at this critical time for the Resistance efforts against the Nazis.

Gerbier is captured by the Vichy police and delivered to German forces, facing imminent execution. He and his comrades learn that reaching a far wall might grant them a brief reprieve amidst a barrage of gunfire.

In a heartbreaking moment, Le Bison shoots Mathilde as they discover her on the street. This shocking decision illustrates the depth of betrayal and the harsh realities faced by Resistance members navigating trust and survival.

The film concludes with the grim fate of Gerbier and his comrades, all of whom are captured within a year. Gerbier's final decision not to escape on 13 February 1944 closes the story with a chilling reflection on the sacrifices made for their cause.