Under Paris (2024) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in Paris, specifically along the River Seine, during the World Triathlon Championships. The story also references the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the opening sequence, where a shark research expedition goes tragically wrong.

• paris
• seine river
• setting
• world triathlon championships
• location

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive area in the Pacific Ocean known for its high concentration of marine debris. In Under Paris, it serves as the setting for the opening shark research expedition that sets the events in motion, establishing the film's environmental themes.

• great pacific garbage patch
• ocean pollution
• marine debris
• research expedition

Under Paris is set in contemporary times, with the story focusing on the immediate aftermath of a shark expedition and its repercussions unfolding in the present day. The film addresses modern environmental issues and current concerns about climate change and marine conservation.

• contemporary
• present day
• time period
• modern

The film emphasizes the tension between human activities and ecological well-being, particularly regarding marine life. It highlights the critical efforts to protect species like the shortfin mako shark and showcases the consequences of environmental neglect, suggesting that human encroachment into natural habitats has serious repercussions.

• conservation
• marine life
• shortfin mako shark
• environment
• ecology

Accountability is a central theme as city officials prioritize publicity over safety during the World Triathlon Championships, disregarding the dangers posed by the shark's presence in the Seine. The film questions where responsibility lies among leaders when faced with imminent threats to public safety.

• accountability
• responsibility
• city officials
• public safety
• authorities

The film captures significant tragic losses, particularly for protagonist Sophia, who mourns her team members after a horrific shark attack. These moments highlight the emotional toll of pursuing scientific knowledge and the unforeseen consequences of human intervention in nature.

• loss
• grief
• tragedy
• sophia
• death
• mourning

Sophia Assalas is a dedicated marine researcher portrayed by Bérénice Bejo. After losing her team in a tragic shark encounter, she becomes determined to protect Lilith, the aggressive shortfin mako shark, while navigating the complex relationship between human actions and marine life.

• sophia assalas
• marine researcher
• protagonist
• bérénice bejo
• lilith

Lilith is a shortfin mako shark that becomes the central threat in the film. Initially tagged for research purposes, her evolution into an aggressive predator illustrates the consequences of human encroachment into wild environments. She symbolizes both the beauty and danger of nature.

• lilith
• shortfin mako shark
• predator
• shark
• nature

Mika is an environmentalist played by Léa Léviant who plays a crucial role in revealing the implications of Lilith's presence in urban waterways. Driven by compassion, she spearheads efforts to locate and save the shark while challenging local authorities' indifference to public safety.

• mika
• environmentalist
• activist
• léa Léviant
• rescue

Adil is a police diver portrayed by Nassim Lyes who partners with Sophia in the search for Lilith. He represents the urgent need for action against both the shark threat and public safety, and his determination and skills become vital to containing the crisis.

• adil
• police diver
• nassim lyes
• rescue
• public safety

Chris is Sophia's husband and a skilled member of the dive team, played by Yannick Choirat. He tragically loses his life while attempting to collect a sample from Lilith during the opening expedition. His death serves as a catalyst for Sophia's deeper involvement in the rescue efforts.

• chris
• yannick choirat
• diver
• death
• sophia's husband

Lilith symbolizes nature's unpredictability and the consequences of human interference in the natural world. As a shortfin mako shark that has migrated from the ocean into Paris's urban waterways, she represents the collision between humanity's activities and ecological well-being, embodying both beauty and danger.

• symbolism
• nature
• human interference
• predator
• environment

Paris serves as a striking backdrop where the aquatic world collides with urban life. The contrast between the city's celebrated art, culture, and history and the deadly threat lurking in the River Seine creates dramatic tension. The World Triathlon Championships happening in the city raises the stakes significantly.

• paris
• city of light
• urban setting
• seine
• urban vs nature