Antigone 2019

Hipponomes seek refuge in Quebec

In Quebec, the Hipponomes live as refugees under Méni's leadership. The family includes Étéocle, Polynice, Ismène, and Antigone, whose parents were killed before the family left Kabylia. They struggle with displacement and the uncertainty of their citizenship as they try to build a new life.

Tragedy on the street: Étéocle shot; Polynice arrested

Polynice and Étéocle are playing jacks with friends when police arrive on the scene. Étéocle is shot and killed, and Polynice is arrested for assaulting an officer in the aftermath.

Antigone excels in high school

Antigone stands out academically, achieving straight A's in high school. Her scholarly promise contrasts with Polynice's troubling turn toward crime. She remains determined to help her family despite growing pressures.

Meeting Christian, a local politician

Through Antigone's friend Hémon, the Hipponomes meet Christian, Hémon's father, a local politician. Christian explains that Polynice's criminal record and lack of citizenship could lead to deportation.

Antigone plots a prison escape

Antigone decides to take action to save Polynice and plans a prison escape. She engineers disguise by making Ismène cut her hair so Antigone can pass as Polynice.

The disguise and jail swap

Antigone and Méni go to the jail; Antigone disguises herself as Polynice and swaps clothes with him. Polynice leaves with Méni, while Antigone remains in Polynice's cell.

Ploy discovered; arrest of Antigone and Méni

Prison officials foil the ruse and arrest Antigone for aiding an escape, and Méni is arrested as well, to Antigone's horror. The family is pulled deeper into the legal fight they try to avoid.

Legal aid and social media debate

A police officer informs Antigone that Étéocle was also a Habibi. Antigone intends to plead guilty, but the judge questions her understanding of the gravity of the situation. The judge assigns her legal aid, with a lawyer named O'Neil, who warns about the risks of a criminal record and shows her a social-media debate about whether Antigone herself is a Habibi.

Rallies and courtroom disruption

Hémon quits school to organize rallies in support of Antigone; supporters fill the courtroom and disrupt the proceedings with cellphone ringtones echoing Hémon's own ringtone. Amid the uproar, Antigone speaks of her heart's desire to help her brother.

Méni bailed; viral moment and suspension request

After Méni is bailed, Antigone's words about her heart go viral on social media, galvanizing public support. O'Neil asks the judge for a suspended sentence, but the prosecutor calls an unexpected witness.

Polynice testifies; courtroom confrontation

Polynice is produced as the prosecutor's unexpected last-minute witness, revealed after the previous night’s arrest at a bar. Antigone becomes hysterical, questioning her brother and challenging the solemnities of the courtroom.

Judgement and guardianship decisions

The judge warns Antigone that a conviction could jeopardize her Canadian citizenship. Christian steps in to offer guardianship, while Méni plans to return to Kabylia with Polynice and Ismène seeks a loan to start a salon.

Intimacy amid upheaval

Antigone and Hémon share an intimate moment, underscoring the personal toll of the unfolding crisis. The relationship adds another layer of complexity to the family’s already tense situation.