Papillon

Papillon

Year: 2018

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Noer

BiographyDramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Henri "Papillon" Charrière, a skilled safecracker, is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to the notorious Devil’s Island, a harsh penal colony. Determined to regain his freedom, he endures brutal conditions and navigates the dangerous prison system. Along the way, he forges a complex relationship with Louis Dega, a resourceful counterfeiter, and they plan a daring escape, facing relentless guards and treacherous landscapes in their pursuit of liberty.

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Timeline & Setting – Papillon (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Papillon (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1931, 1967

The main events of the film take place in 1931, during a time when law enforcement was strict and crime was prevalent in urban areas. The narrative concludes in 1967, a period marked by social upheaval and changes, with the protagonist navigating his past while seeking redemption.

Location

Paris, French Guiana, Colombia

The film starts in Paris, known for its rich history, art, and as a center of crime during the 1930s. The story then shifts to the brutal penal colony of French Guiana, infamous for its harsh conditions and deadly criminals. The final setting is a remote island in Colombia, where the main character briefly seeks refuge.

🏙️ Paris 🏝️ Island 🇨🇴 Colombia

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Main Characters – Papillon (2018)

Meet the key characters of Papillon (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Henri Charrière ('Papillon')

Papillon is a determined and resilient character whose primary goal is to escape from the oppressive environments of various prisons. His skills as a safecracker and resourceful nature allow him to devise elaborate escape plans. Despite his criminal past, his moral compass often shines through as he protects those around him.

🔓 Escape 💪 Resilience 🧭 Survival

Louis Dega

Louis Dega is a wealthy con artist who becomes Papillon’s closest ally in prison. Initially hesitant to take risks, Dega evolves into a more courageous character emboldened by Papillon's adventurous spirit. His intelligence and wealth provide critical support in escaping their grim reality.

💰 Wealthy 🤔 Cunning 👬 Loyal

Nenette

Nenette is Papillon's love interest, representing hope and normalcy in his tumultuous life. She longs for a peaceful life away from crime, illustrating the contrasting desires of characters in the story. Her unwavering support for Papillon adds emotional depth to his struggles.

💖 Love 🌿 Innocence ✊ Supportive

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Major Themes – Papillon (2018)

Explore the central themes of Papillon (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Freedom

The central theme of Papillon is the quest for freedom, both physically from prison and mentally from the burden of his past crimes. The characters, particularly Papillon and Dega, constantly strategize escape routes, demonstrating an unyielding desire to reclaim their lives. Their journey also highlights the costs of freedom and the sacrifices one must make to achieve it.

🤝 Friendship

The bond between Papillon and Dega illustrates the importance of friendship in the face of adversity. Throughout their harrowing experiences in prison, they rely on each other for support and motivation. Their relationship evolves from mere survival to a deep-seated camaraderie that defines their actions and choices.

⚖️ Justice

Papillon explores themes of justice and injustice, particularly in how the criminal justice system treats those accused of crimes. The unfairness of Papillon's wrongful conviction and the brutal punishments of the prison system serve as a commentary on the flaws within the legal system and the struggle for accurate justice.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:45

Unlock the Full Story of Papillon

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

Papillon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Papillon, 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.

Papillon Summary

Papillon Timeline

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

Papillon Timeline

More About Papillon

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

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