The Professional

Set in the early 1980s, the film places a secret service operation against a dictator within a Cold War-era landscape of shifting alliances. The period’s post-colonial tensions shape the espionage, quick trials, and the brutal treatment of the protagonist. The narrative traverses between Malagawi and France, underscoring a transcontinental power struggle.

Malagawi is a fictitious African nation used to mirror post-colonial power dynamics, at the dawn of the 1980s. It is ruled by Colonel N'Jala, a dictator whose regime becomes the focal point of an undercover mission by the SDCE. The story also moves to Paris and the Château de Ferrières, highlighting cross-continental political intrigue.

⚔️ Revenge

The core arc follows Joss’s calculated return to finish the mission that betrayed him. Revenge drives his every move, often blurring lines between justice and personal vendetta. The film probes whether vengeance can justify deception and violence, still leaving moral cost in its wake.

🤝 Loyalty vs Betrayal

Joss’s superiors betray him for political reasons, forcing him to navigate a treacherous web of allegiance. The story contrasts duty to the service with personal loyalties, exposing how power structures can weaponize trust. Characters switch sides as the mission unfolds, revealing fragile loyalties.

🏛️ Power and Corruption

The secret services, political figures, and military leaders represent how power concentrates and corrupts. The plot shows how institutional interests override individual morality, pushing characters toward extremes. Corruption is not just personal; it is systemic, shaping every decision.

🎭 Identity and Deception

Beaumont employs disguise and misdirection to advance his plan, while others hide their true motives behind official roles. The narrative explores how identity can be manipulated in high-stakes espionage. Deception becomes a tool and a consequence, affecting trust and relationships.