Code Unknown

Code Unknown

Year: 2000

Runtime: 118 mins

Language: French

Director: Michael Haneke

DramaIntense violence and sexual transgressionPowerful poetic and passionate dramaShow All…

Love speaks its own language. A minor incident triggers a chain reaction that brings five lives together in Paris. Anne, an actress, is linked to her boyfriend Georges, a Kosovo war photographer. Georges’ brother Jean searches for the code to Georges’ flat. Their paths cross a Romanian immigrant and a deaf teacher, showing how fates intertwine.

Code Unknown (2000) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Code Unknown (2000) 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 the bustling heart of Paris, a seemingly small encounter sets off a ripple that draws together five disparate lives. The city’s endless streets and crowded cafés become a backdrop for quiet collisions, where language—spoken, signed, or left unsaid—shapes the fragile connections that form. The film moves with a measured, almost lyrical pace, letting the ambient hum of the metropolis and the soft gestures of its inhabitants speak louder than any overt drama.

Anne, a dedicated actress, finds her world subtly altered when her relationship with her photographer boyfriend, Georges, a former war correspondent, begins to intersect with events far beyond the studio lights. Georges carries the weight of distant conflict, his lingering memories coloring his view of the city and its people. Meanwhile, his brother Jean arrives searching for a forgotten key, a simple code that promises access to a place tied to his sibling’s past, and his restless curiosity pulls him into the lives of strangers.

A Romanian immigrant named Maria offers a glimpse into the precarious existence of those living on society’s edge, while a deaf teacher, Amadou, embodies the film’s meditation on communication—his classroom’s silent charades echo the broader theme that meaning often slips through the cracks of ordinary interaction. Their paths intersect in moments that feel both accidental and inevitable, underscoring how a minor incident can bind together individuals from different walks of life.

Through its muted color palette and patient storytelling, the film invites viewers to linger on the spaces between words, to sense the tension in a shared glance or a lingering pause. It is a humane tapestry that celebrates the everyday, reminding us that in a city of millions, even the smallest gestures can carry the weight of countless untold stories.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:27

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.

Unlock the Full Story of Code Unknown

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

Code Unknown Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Code Unknown, 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.

Code Unknown Summary

Code Unknown Timeline

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

Code Unknown Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Code Unknown

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Code Unknown

More About Code Unknown

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