Message from the King (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie primarily takes place in Los Angeles, contrasting the city's glamorous entertainment scene with its dangerous criminal underworld. Additional scenes occur in New Mexico, where Jacob finds temporary solace, and South Africa, where his true identity as a seasoned detective is revealed.

• los angeles setting
• locations
• new mexico
• south africa

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern issues like crime and systemic corruption. The story unfolds over a seven-day period, creating an urgent narrative that resonates with current themes of justice and personal redemption.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• seven days

The film explores three interconnected themes: justice as Jacob seeks truth behind his sister's murder and questions whether true justice exists in a corrupt system; family bonds and loyalty that drive his dangerous quest; and morality as Jacob's choices blur the lines between right and wrong, challenging viewers to consider the moral ambiguity of revenge.

• themes
• justice
• family
• morality
• loyalty

Jacob King is the protagonist, a complex character driven by love and a fierce sense of justice. Played by Chadwick Boseman, he journeys through Los Angeles's criminal underworld to uncover the fate of his missing sister. His moral compass is constantly challenged by the dark circumstances he encounters.

• jacob king
• protagonist
• character
• chadwick boseman

Bianca is Jacob King's estranged sister whose tragic death propels the entire narrative. Her involvement in the criminal world reveals the dark circumstances surrounding her life, and her fate serves as the catalyst for Jacob's dangerous quest for truth and revenge.

• bianca
• sister
• family
• catalyst

Zico is a local businessman who initially appears to be a potential ally to Jacob. However, he ultimately symbolizes betrayal in Bianca's life. His evasiveness about Bianca's whereabouts adds tension to the narrative, forcing Jacob to confront the web of deceit surrounding his sister's fate.

• zico
• luke evans
• businessman
• betrayal

Dr. Wentworth is a dentist who becomes entangled in the dark dealings surrounding Bianca's life and death. His dual role as a respected professional and participant in the criminal underworld illustrates the moral decay present throughout the film, leading to a pivotal confrontation with Jacob.

• dr wentworth
• alfred molina
• dentist
• moral decay

Justice is a driving theme as Jacob seeks to uncover the truth behind his sister's murder. His relentless pursuit leads him into the criminal underworld, highlighting the personal cost of seeking retribution. The narrative questions whether true justice can be achieved when corruption runs deep throughout the system.

• justice
• revenge
• truth
• corruption
• retribution

The story examines complex family dynamics through Jacob's connection to his sister Bianca. His determination to avenge her tragic fate underscores the theme of loyalty, revealing how familial ties can compel someone to confront immense danger. The impact of loss and betrayal looms large throughout the entire narrative.

• family
• loyalty
• loss
• betrayal
• sister

Morality is a central theme as Jacob navigates a world filled with crime and exploitation. His choices constantly blur the lines between right and wrong, forcing him to grapple with the implications of his actions. This theme challenges viewers to reflect on the moral ambiguity inherent in seeking justice outside the law.

• morality
• ethics
• right wrong
• choices

The film has a consistently dark tone due to themes of a sister's brutal murder, child exploitation, and systemic corruption. The emotional weight is heavy, with high sadness throughout. There is minimal humor and no significant romance, creating a gritty, serious atmosphere that emphasizes the gravity of Jacob's mission.

• tone
• dark
• emotional
• heavy
• serious