In 1931, the story unfolds around Henri Charrière, known as Papillon, portrayed by Charlie Hunnam, who thrives as a skilled safecracker in Paris. His life is a blur of high-stakes heists, during which he steals exquisite jewelry, always delivering the goods to his employer for a handsome reward. After a particularly successful job, he meets with his boss to present the recently acquired diamonds. When questioned if he kept any for himself, Papillon adamantly denies it, but the threat of violence hangs heavy in the air as he’s shown the consequences faced by disloyalty.
Papillon returns to his wife, Eve Hewson, who is affectionately called Nenette. They share dreams of a peaceful life away from crime, yet the couple brushes up against fate when their lives take a perilous turn. One morning, police officers storm their home, arresting Papillon on charges of murdering the very man who had been brutalized in front of him just the previous evening. Despite his protests of innocence, he is taken away, and soon, Papillon finds himself plotting an escape. He urges Nenette to move on, but she stands by him, unwilling to abandon their love.
Inside the prison, Papillon befriends Julot, portrayed by Michael Socha, who hints at another inmate, Louis Dega, represented by Rami Malek—a wealthy man with a hidden fortune. As the duo begins their journey to the notorious penal colony in French Guiana, their hopes for freedom seem bleak. Dega initially refuses Papillon's offer of protection, fearing a violent end. However, after witnessing the savage environment where money is a deadly bargaining chip, he accepts Papillon's assistance.
Arriving at the prison, they quickly learn about the grim reality awaiting them. Prisoners are forced into relentless labor, and the warden's brutal rule ensures that any thoughts of escaping are met with severe punishments. The stakes are higher than ever when Papillon learns of Julot's gruesome execution for attempted escape, a fate that could befall him or Dega if they're caught.
During a harrowing series of events, Papillon comes to Dega's defense, proving their alliance is one based on survival. They decide once more that escape is their only shot at freedom. Their plans take shape when they manage to recruit fellow inmates, including the crafty Celier and the timid Maturrete. As they prepare for a daring escape during a planned movie night, chaos ensues when the power outage disrupts their scheme, forcing them to make split-second decisions to preserve their chance at liberty.
After an intense night of battling fears and physical obstacles, they launch into the ocean, beleaguered by storms and betrayal. Tensions within the group rise, culminating in a heartbreaking fight that leaves them scattered in the swirling waters. Miraculously, Papillon washes ashore on a friendly island, where he meets a nun who harbors ulterior motives.
As Papillon and Dega's paths intertwine, their hope for a peaceful existence is overshadowed by the specter of their past crimes, leading to another capture and more years of hardship. Finally relocated to Devil's Island, Papillon is devastated to find Dega has suffered a harsher fate, yet their reunion rekindles their spirits. Papillon proposes one last daring escape using a coconut raft, embodying the resilience that has defined their harrowing journey.
In a poignant farewell, the two share memories before Papillon embarks solo on the raft, navigating his fate in the uncertain waters. The narrative fast-forwards to 1967, revealing Papillon now lives in Venezuela, still haunted by his past but achieving some semblance of freedom. After years of evasion, he finally receives a pardon in 1969, leading him to publish his memoir detailing his tumultuous life, culminating in a return to Paris after 38 long years, as he reflects on the enduring bonds of friendship and survival.
