Sahara (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place in the Sahara desert, featuring distinct locations including a harsh sand environment where Dusties live on the margins, a gleaming Oasis that serves as a refuge for green snakes, a bustling town called Souksoukville, a mosque atop a city, and a desert tourist camp.

• sahara desert
• oasis
• setting
• locations
• souksoukville

Dusties are cobras who live on the margins of the desert in harsh conditions, often looked down upon by the Oasis elites. Green Snakes are the privileged residents of the Oasis, living in relative comfort. The two groups exist in separate social spheres, representing a class divide central to the movie's themes of belonging and acceptance.

• dusties
• green snakes
• social divide
• classes
• oasis

The Oasis is a gleaming refuge for green snakes, representing privilege and social acceptance within the movie's world. It stands in stark contrast to the harsh desert sands where Dusties live. The Oasis gates serve as a barrier that Ajar must cross to pursue his goals, making it a symbol of both desire and division.

• oasis
• green snakes
• refuge
• symbol
• desert

The Belonging theme centers on seeking acceptance beyond appearances. Ajar's choice to risk entering the Oasis shows the power of hope over social divisions. Eva's friendship with Ajar demonstrates how love and loyalty can bridge deep divides. The tale envisions a future where Dusties and Green Snakes share space and purpose.

• belonging
• acceptance
• hope
• unity
• social divisions

The Identity theme revolves around disguises and mistaken identities. Ajar hides his Dusty identity by disguising as a green snake to enter the Oasis, while Eva pretends to be a Dusty. These disguises question who belongs and who deserves kindness. Ultimately, authenticity and connection triumph over surface differences.

• identity
• disguise
• authenticity
• appearances
• self-acceptance

The Courage theme follows the journey across the desert that tests grit and resolve with every peril. Ajar, Pitt, and Gary push forward despite fear, proving that friendship sustains risk. Eva's rescue and the pursuit through the city highlight sacrifice and steadfastness in pursuit of a loved one.

• courage
• bravery
• friendship
• sacrifice
• perseverance

Ajar is a Dusty cobra voiced by Omar Sy, tired of being labeled a loser by Oasis elites. He disguises himself as a green snake to enter the Oasis and pursue Eva. He is brave, resourceful, and earns loyalty from his friends Pitt and Gary, becoming the story's central protagonist.

• ajar
• cobra
• protagonist
• dustie
• disguise

Eva is a smart green snake voiced by Louane who hides her true identity by posing as a Dusty. She befriends Ajar and falls in love with him, choosing to help free her fellow snakes from Omar's control. She proves resilient, quick-thinking, and compassionate under danger.

• eva
• green snake
• love interest
• heroine
• resilience

Omar is a cunning snake charmer voiced by Grand Corps Malade who captures snakes for his own purposes. He uses manipulation and hypnotic tricks with his flute to control others. His rivalry with Ajar and Eva drives much of the film's conflict as the primary antagonist.

• omar
• villain
• snake charmer
• antagonist
• flute

Pitt is Ajar's loyal scorpion friend voiced by Franck Gastambide who provides practical help, courage, and humor throughout the quest. Gary is Eva's lazy but good-natured brother voiced by Vincent Lacoste who starts as comic relief but grows into a true companion, forming unlikely friendships and showing surprising bravery.

• pitt
• gary
• scorpion
• comic relief
• friendship

Souksoukville is a bustling town featured in the film where key scenes of pursuit and escape occur. It represents an urban environment within the desert world, contrasting with both the harsh sands and the privileged Oasis. The town adds complexity to the journey and serves as a setting for action sequences.

• souksoukville
• town
• pursuit
• setting
• urban

The movie delivers a hopeful message about overcoming social prejudice and finding unity across differences. Through Ajar and Eva's relationship, it shows that love and loyalty can bridge deep divides. The happy ending, with its open-ended song about unity, reinforces the idea that Dusties and Green Snakes can share space and purpose together.

• message
• unity
• prejudice
• love
• acceptance