Dheepan 2016
Directed by
Jacques Audiard
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Dheepan (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Sivadhasan, a soldier of the Tamil Tigers, grapples with the aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War during its final days. Following the defeat of his faction, he is compelled to seek refuge in a camp, where he devises a bold plan for a new beginning in France. Yet, to gain political asylum, he must fabricate a credible backstory. He takes on the identity of a deceased individual, Dheepan Natarajan, and teams up with strangers, pretending they are his family. He boards a ship towards Paris with his supposed wife, Yalini, and their presumed 9-year-old daughter, Illayaal.
Upon reaching Paris, Sivadhasan secures a position as a caretaker in a dilapidated housing project known as Le Pré. Unfortunately, this new environment soon reveals itself to be fraught with danger, as it is dominated by local drug dealers. The location was filmed in the tranquil estate of La Coudraie, situated in suburban Poissy, yet it unfolds into yet another battleground for Sivadhasan. As rival gangs wage violent confrontations, Yalini and Illayaal are left terrified while grappling with their new roles as mother and daughter. In this tense atmosphere, Yalini faces pressure to accept a job as a maid for the father of a prominent drug lord.
Despite the chaos that engulfs their lives, Sivadhasan diligently fulfills his responsibilities, but soon finds himself entangled in the conflict. In a pivotal moment, he is thrust into a fierce gunfight that rekindles his dormant combat instincts. Armed with only a handgun, a machete, and a screwdriver, he valiantly dismantles an entire gang, showcasing his formidable skills. In a heart-stopping rescue mission, he saves Yalini from the horrific clutches of her employer’s apartment, stained with blood.
Together, they ultimately manage to immigrate to England, a journey that finally leads them to a semblance of genuine peace and security.
Timeline
Track the key events of Dheepan (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Final Days of War
Sivadhasan, a soldier of the Tamil Tigers, faces the grim reality following the defeat of his faction in the Sri Lankan Civil War. As the conflict comes to a close, he grapples with the trauma and uncertainty of his future.
Seeking Refuge
In search of safety, Sivadhasan seeks refuge in a camp where he contemplates his next steps. Faced with the urgent need for a new start, he devises a plan to escape to France and establish a new life.
Assuming a New Identity
To facilitate his asylum application, Sivadhasan adopts the identity of Dheepan Natarajan, a deceased individual he never knew. He recruits strangers to pose as his family, including Yalini, who pretends to be his wife, and Illayaal, their supposed daughter.
Journey to Paris
Sivadhasan boards a ship bound for Paris with Yalini and Illayaal, embarking on a hazardous journey marked by uncertainty and fear. Their new family unit is fragile, built on deception as they flee their troubled past.
Life in Le Pré
Upon arriving in Paris, Sivadhasan secures a job as a caretaker in a run-down housing project known as Le Pré. However, the environment proves to be hostile, dominated by local drug dealers and violence that make their situation precarious.
Facing New Dangers
The danger escalates as rival gangs engage in violent confrontations within the project. Yalini and Illayaal are left to cope with their fears, struggling to adjust to their roles in this chaotic setting.
Yalini's Job Offer
Under immense pressure, Yalini is tempted with a job offer as a maid for the father of a drug lord, putting her in a morally challenging situation. This offer amplifies the tensions within the household as they navigate their new lives.
Getting Drawn into Conflict
Despite his attempts to maintain a normal life, Sivadhasan becomes embroiled in the drug-related violence surrounding them. As tensions rise, he realizes that his past experiences may not allow him to remain a passive caretaker.
Engaging in Gunfight
In a critical turn of events, Sivadhasan is caught in a fierce gunfight that forces him to awaken his dormant combat instincts. Armed with limited weapons, he engages in a remarkable display of skill as he takes down an entire gang.
Rescuing Yalini
During a heart-stopping rescue mission, Sivadhasan confronts the brutal reality of Yalini's situation. He bravely intervenes to save her from the clutches of her employer, navigating through a scene stained with violence and despair.
Escape to England
After the harrowing ordeals in Paris, Sivadhasan, Yalini, and Illayaal make a decisive move to escape to England. Their journey marks a significant step towards finding genuine peace and security away from the turmoil they faced.
A New Beginning
As they settle into life in England, Sivadhasan, Yalini, and Illayaal strive to create a new beginning for themselves. The challenges they faced in Paris are now just memories as they work towards a brighter future.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Dheepan (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sivadhasan
Sivadhasan is a complex character shaped by the trauma of war and the desperate need for a new beginning. As a soldier of the Tamil Tigers, he embodies resilience but is haunted by his past battles. Throughout the film, he evolves from a fighter into a protector, showcasing his combat skills to defend his newfound family and forge a safe life in a foreign land.
Yalini
Yalini embodies strength and adaptability, navigating her new life as a mother in a hostile environment. Faced with the pressures of her situation, she exhibits both vulnerability and determination. Her relationship with Sivadhasan evolves as they confront external dangers together, highlighting themes of sacrifice and loyalty in their make-believe family.
Illayaal
As the presumed daughter in the fabricated family, Illayaal represents innocence caught in a world of chaos. Despite her young age, she encounters significant fear and challenges as the family navigates the dangers surrounding them. Her character illustrates the impact of violence on children and the resilience of youth under extreme conditions.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Dheepan (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Post-Sri Lankan Civil War
The narrative unfolds during the aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War, a time marked by intense conflict and struggles for survival. The period is characterized by the desperation of those affected by the war as they seek refuge and the challenges of adapting to new environments. This backdrop enhances the urgency and stakes of Sivadhasan's journey to freedom.
Location
France, Paris, La Pré, England
The movie primarily takes place in France, particularly in Paris, where Sivadhasan and his fabricated family attempt to start anew. They reside in Le Pré, a dilapidated housing project that becomes a battleground dominated by local drug dealers. The journey culminates in their immigration to England, symbolizing hope for genuine peace and security.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Dheepan (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
Survival is a central theme in 'Dheepan', highlighting the lengths individuals go to escape danger and find safety. Sivadhasan's transformation from soldier to caretaker showcases his struggle to adapt to a new life while confronting his past. The film illustrates the vulnerability of those seeking refuge and the challenges they face in hostile environments.
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Family
The theme of family is intricately woven throughout the movie, as Sivadhasan forms a makeshift family with strangers to gain asylum. The dynamics between Sivadhasan, Yalini, and Illayaal explore their evolving relationships under duress. The film examines the concept of family beyond blood ties, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and protection in the face of adversity.
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Conflict
Conflict is a pervasive theme, manifesting in both external and internal struggles. Sivadhasan is pulled back into violence amidst the chaos of gang wars in Paris, confronting his past as a soldier. The tension between the need for peace and the reality of violence underscores the trauma of war and its lasting impacts on individuals.
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