Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008) movie poster

Characters & Themes

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language: 2008 · 99 min · French; #16,278 6
Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

Under the guise of a poultry expert, the bumbling French secret agent OSS 117 is sent to Cairo to investigate the death of a friend. He finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game involving Soviet and British intelligence, Suez Canal politics, and rising fundamentalist tensions. The agent must navigate this complex web of intrigue while also exposing the ridiculousness of Western involvement in the Middle East.

Adventure Comedy Crime Cast, crew & box office

On this page (8)

1 Where to watch
2 Characters explained (4)
3 Where & when it takes place
4 Themes & meaning (3)
5 Character & meaning questions
6 Movie threads
7 Movies like OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies
8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008)

Where can you watch OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, OVID and Philo: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by

4 main characters · contains spoilers

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath

A clever and resourceful spy, Hubert is tasked with unraveling a complicated web of espionage in Cairo. Despite his charm, he often finds himself in precarious situations due to his brash demeanor. His experiences throughout the film significantly test his loyalties and lead him to confront both external conflicts and his own past.
- 🕵️‍♂️ Spy
- 🤔 Reflective
- ❤️ Loyal
Larmina

A key ally who initially helps de La Bath but faces moral dilemmas due to her own connections and consequential past. Her character evolves significantly throughout the film, showcasing her resilience and complexity as she navigates between loyalty and betrayal.
- 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ally
- 🌪️ Complex
- 🔄 Evolving
Princess Al Tarouk

The enigmatic figure who pulls de La Bath into the secretive world of espionage. Her actions are driven by both personal and political motives, leading to intense confrontations and a significant role in the unfolding drama. She embodies the duality of allure and danger.
- 👑 Mysterious
- 🔥 Driven
- ⚡ Intense
Jack Jefferson

Initially portrayed as de La Bath's valued partner, Jack's betrayal ignites a pivotal twist in the narrative. His complex motivations and ties to clandestine activities deeply affect the storyline and de La Bath's journey, embodying themes of loyalty and treachery.
- 🤝 Partner
- 🔄 Betrayer
- 🕵️‍♂️ Spy

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

Was this helpful?

Setting

Where and When Does OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies Take Place?

The setting of OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1940s

The events of the film unfold in the 1940s, a tumultuous decade marked by World War II and the subsequent geopolitical shifts. This era is characterized by espionage, secretive operations, and significant tensions as nations grapple with the aftermath of the war, setting the tone for the intricate plotting.

Location

Cairo, Paris, Rome

The movie spans across several cities, including Cairo, known for its rich history and ancient landmarks, and Paris, the City of Light, famous for its cultural significance and as a hub of intelligence during historical conflicts. Rome briefly serves as a backdrop, showcasing its classic architecture and mysteries, setting the stage for the espionage narrative.

🏙️ City
✈️ International
🔍 Espionage

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

Was this helpful?

3 major themes

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

Espionage

The film delves into the world of espionage, showcasing the complex web of deceit and intelligence operations. The protagonist, OSS 117, navigates dangerous encounters with spies and hidden agendas, revealing the precarious balance between loyalty and betrayal among agents during this covert war.
Conflict

At the heart of the narrative lies a conflict fueled by ideological divides and personal vendettas. The brewing Suez Crisis serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, highlighting how political struggles can spiral into personal tragedies for those involved.
Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme, evident in the protagonist's relationships. The shifting allegiances of characters like Larmina and Jack create a tension-filled atmosphere, illustrating how trust can be shattered amidst schemes of power and survival.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:11

Was this helpful?

Character & theme questions

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The film is primarily set in Cairo, with additional scenes in Paris and Rome. Cairo serves as the main backdrop for the espionage narrative, featuring its ancient landmarks and bustling streets as key locations.

cairo
paris
rome
setting
locations

Q2

What time period does the film take place in?

The movie is set in the 1940s, during the aftermath of World War II. This era is marked by intense geopolitical tensions, secretive intelligence operations, and the lead-up to the Suez Crisis, creating the perfect atmosphere for espionage intrigue.

1940s
time period
world war ii
historical setting

Q3

What are the main themes of the movie?

The film explores three central themes: espionage, with its complex web of deceit and intelligence operations; conflict, driven by ideological divides and the brewing Suez Crisis; and betrayal, as shifting allegiances among characters create tension and test loyalties.

espionage
conflict
betrayal
themes
suez crisis

Q4

Who is the main character OSS 117?

Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath is a French secret agent sent to Cairo undercover as a poultry expert to investigate a friend's death. While clever and resourceful, his brash demeanor often lands him in precarious situations, testing both his loyalties and his competence.

hubert bonisseur de la bath
oss 117
protagonist
spy
agent

Q5

Who is Larmina in the film?

Larmina is a key ally who initially helps de La Bath navigate the dangerous world of Cairo espionage. She faces moral dilemmas due to her own connections and consequential past, evolving significantly throughout the film as she balances between loyalty and betrayal.

larmina
ally
character
trust
moral dilemma

Q6

Who is Princess Al Tarouk?

Princess Al Tarouk is an enigmatic figure who pulls de La Bath into the secretive world of espionage. Driven by both personal and political motives, she embodies duality, combining allure with danger, and plays a significant role in the unfolding drama.

princess al tarouk
mystery
espionage
character
motive

Q7

Who is Jack Jefferson?

Jack Jefferson is initially portrayed as de La Bath's valued partner and friend. His betrayal ignites a pivotal twist in the narrative, with his complex motivations and ties to clandestine activities deeply affecting the storyline and de La Bath's journey.

jack jefferson
betrayal
partner
friend
twist

Q8

How is betrayal portrayed in the story?

Betrayal is a central theme woven throughout the narrative. Characters like Larmina and Jack create a tension-filled atmosphere as their shifting allegiances illustrate how trust can be shattered amid schemes of power and survival.

betrayal
trust
loyalty
relationships
themes

Q9

What is the Suez Crisis reference in the film?

The brewing Suez Crisis serves as the political backdrop for the unfolding drama. This historical conflict between Britain, France, and Egypt over control of the canal highlights how geopolitical struggles can spiral into personal tragedies for those caught in the espionage web.

suez crisis
politics
historical
conflict
middle east

Q10

What type of movie is OSS 117?

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies is an adventure comedy crime film that parodies the James Bond genre. Despite its espionage plot involving geopolitics, assassinations, and betrayals, these elements are played for laughs, maintaining a light and farcical tone.

comedy
parody
james bond spoof
adventure
crime
genre

Movie threads

More Movies Like OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Bumbling Agent Spy Spoofs like OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

Absurd spy parodies where incompetent agents cause chaotic international incidents. If you liked the hilarious chaos of OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies, you'll enjoy these movies featuring similarly clueless spies. This list includes comedies and parodies where bumbling agents fumble their way through missions with absurd results, perfect for fans of satirical spy stories.

satirical
slapstick
irreverent
absurd
comic
exuberant
Tone: light, irreverent, satirical
Pacing: fast, energetic

Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically follow a well-meaning but utterly inept agent who is assigned a serious mission, only to bumble through it with a mix of accidental success and catastrophic failure. The narrative structure often mirrors classic spy thrillers but subverts every serious moment with humor, culminating in a resolution that is successful despite the protagonist's best efforts to ruin it.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared commitment to parodying the spy genre through the lens of an incompetent protagonist. They feature fast-paced, lighthearted tones, medium-intensity action played for laughs, and a core theme of satire that distinguishes them from more serious espionage tales.

Spy Hard movie poster

Spy Hard

1996

Carry On Spying movie poster

Carry On Spying

1964

One Spy Too Many movie poster

One Spy Too Many

1966

Spies Like Us movie poster

Spies Like Us

1985

Spy movie poster

Spy

2015

Get Smart movie poster

Get Smart

2008

Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title movie poster

Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title

1966

I Spy movie poster

I Spy

2002

Playful Period Parodies like OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

Comedies that lovingly mock the aesthetics and attitudes of a bygone era. Find movies similar to OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies that use a historical setting for satirical comedy. These films recreate a specific era with nostalgic detail but use it to deliver sharp, funny commentary on the politics and style of the time, perfect for viewers who enjoy witty historical humor.

satirical
nostalgic
irreverent
period piece
witty
retro
Tone: light, nostalgic, satirical
Pacing: fast, playful

Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narratives often involve a protagonist who embodies the exaggerated flaws of the era, stumbling through a plot that directly critiques the period's defining events or ideologies. The story uses anachronistic humor and modern perspectives to expose the ridiculousness of the past, all while maintaining a fond, nostalgic aesthetic.

Why they belong together: They are united by a dual focus on meticulous period recreation and satirical intent. The shared experience is one of laughing at the past, enjoying the visual style of a specific decade while appreciating the clever deconstruction of its tropes through fast-paced, light-hearted comedy.

Carry On Cleo movie poster

Carry On Cleo

1964

Robin Hood: Men in Tights movie poster

Robin Hood: Men in Tights

1993

Carry On Henry movie poster

Carry On Henry

1971

The Canterbury Tales movie poster

The Canterbury Tales

1972

The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It movie poster

The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It

1977

Quasi movie poster

Quasi

2023

Silent Movie movie poster

Silent Movie

1976

Stiff Upper Lips movie poster

Stiff Upper Lips

1998

If you liked this

Movies Like OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

Similar movies to OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

OSS 117 - Lost in Rio movie poster

OSS 117 - Lost in Rio

2010

Spy movie poster

Spy

2015

L’Opération Corned Beef movie poster

L’Opération Corned Beef

1991

The Trouble with Spies movie poster

The Trouble with Spies

1987

OSS 117: From Africa with Love movie poster

OSS 117: From Africa with Love

2021

O.S.S. 117: Mission to Tokyo movie poster

O.S.S. 117: Mission to Tokyo

1966

Where the Spies Are movie poster

Where the Spies Are

1966

OSS 117: Mission for a Killer movie poster

OSS 117: Mission for a Killer

1965

OSS 117: Panic in Bangkok movie poster

OSS 117: Panic in Bangkok

1964

One Spy Too Many movie poster

One Spy Too Many

1966

Cairo movie poster

Cairo

1942

Agent 38-24-36 movie poster

Agent 38-24-36

1964

Every angle

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2008) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app

Plot Explained mobile app preview