Directed by
Philippe Lacôte
Made by
Neon
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Night of the Kings (2021). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
At the notorious MACA Prison in Ivory Coast, the inmates rule the roost, creating their own unique set of commandments. One pivotal rule dictates that if the current Dangôro—essentially the inmate king—becomes too ill to fulfill his duties, he must take his own life. As the ailing Dangôro, Blackbeard, portrayed by Steve Tientcheu, faces increasing pressure from his ambitious subordinate Lass, he finds himself at a crossroads. Lass is desperate to ascend to the position of Dangôro himself, and pushes Blackbeard toward the ultimate sacrifice. In a bid to gain some time and appease the other inmates, Blackbeard promises to appoint a new Roman, the griot responsible for narrating captivating tales to entertain the prison population during the eagerly anticipated red moon.
Things take a turn when a new inmate, a thief affiliated with the notorious “Microbe” gang, arrives at MACA and is placed in Blackbeard’s cell block. After a conversation, Blackbeard elects him as the new Roman, thus beginning a remarkable tale.
As the red moon rises, all the prisoners gather excitedly around Roman to hear his story, with some even acting out scenes from it. Initially reluctant, Roman delves into the saga of Zama King, recounting the life of the rebellious leader of the Microbes. His narrative becomes increasingly intertwined with the harsh realities of prison life. During a meal break, he receives a dire warning: he must maintain the storyline until dawn, or face dire consequences. Embarking on this perilous storytelling journey, Roman crafts an embellished recounting of Zama’s early life—lost after his mother’s death, Zama is raised by his father Soni, a blind beggar who becomes an advisor to a local queen through deception.
Tragedy strikes as the story unfolds; Koby, one of Blackbeard’s close advisors, is murdered, throwing the prison into deep mourning. Blackbeard later holds a private conversation with Half-Mad, his second-in-command, who expresses his desire to be named the next Dangôro. Tensions rise when Roman implores Blackbeard to put an end to the storytelling tradition, but Blackbeard, determined to leave a legacy through bloodshed, remains unyielding, ultimately succumbing to despair by drowning himself in a water tank.
As Roman bravely continues to spin his tale, he narrates Soni’s escape from a failed battle and their eventual settlement in the slums of Abidjan, leading to Zama’s rise to power and subsequent demise during political upheaval. Just as dawn approaches, Roman cleverly spins the story’s direction, claiming a twist in the plot—evidence that Zama was a foundling. However, his efforts to delay his impending fate are nearly cut short by Half-Mad, who accuses him of stalling and threatens his life.
The atmosphere ignites into chaos as a brawl erupts between Lass, Half-Mad, and their factions. In a desperate attempt to control the uprising, the prison warden Nivaquine resorts to gunfire, tragically claiming numerous lives, including that of Half-Mad. As the first light of day breaks, Roman stands in the courtyard, a silent observer to the consequences of power struggles within the oppressive walls of MACA.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Night of the Kings (2021) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Establishment of Prison Commandments
Inmates at MACA Prison create their own unique set of rules that govern their lives. Among these, a crucial mandate states that a Dangôro must end his own life if he becomes too ill to lead.
Blackbeard's Ailment
Blackbeard, the reigning Dangôro, faces increasing pressure from his ambitious subordinate Lass as his health declines. This puts Blackbeard at a moral quandary regarding his potential fate.
Appointment of a New Roman
To buy himself time, Blackbeard promises the inmates that he will appoint a new Roman to entertain them with stories. This raises hopes among the prisoners ahead of the anticipated red moon.
Arrival of a New Inmate
A new inmate, a thief linked to the notorious 'Microbe' gang, enters MACA and is placed in Blackbeard’s cell block. After an impactful discussion, Blackbeard chooses him as the new Roman.
The Rise of the Red Moon
As the red moon rises, prisoners gather around Roman, eager to hear his story. Roman, initially hesitant, starts to narrate the tale of Zama King amidst the palpable excitement.
Warning and Perilous Journey
During a meal break, Roman receives a dire warning: he must keep the story going until dawn or suffer severe consequences. This sets him on a dangerous course of storytelling.
Zama's Early Life
Roman recounts a captivating tale about Zama's childhood, detailing the hardships he faced after his mother’s death, and his relationship with Soni, his blind father who becomes a cunning advisor.
Murder of Koby
Tragedy strikes when Koby, a trusted advisor to Blackbeard, is murdered in the prison. This horrific event plunges the inmates into a state of deep mourning and heightens tensions amongst the factions.
Blackbeard's Despair
In a private dialogue with Half-Mad, Blackbeard is pressured to name a successor. However, his determination to leave a legacy through violence leads him into despair, culminating in his suicide.
Soni's Settlement
Continuing his tale, Roman describes Soni's escape from a failed battle and their subsequent life in the slums of Abidjan. This narrative reveals how Zama rises to power against a backdrop of struggle.
Twist in the Tale
As dawn approaches, Roman skillfully introduces a twist in Zama's narrative, revealing he was a foundling. This clever maneuver seeks to delay his own impending fate.
Chaos Erupts
Amidst Roman's storytelling, a violent conflict breaks out between factions led by Lass and Half-Mad. This chaotic struggle highlights the desperate fight for power within the prison's walls.
Nivaquine's Gunfire
In a bid to quell the uprising, the prison warden Nivaquine opens fire on the inmates. The tragedy results in numerous deaths, including that of Half-Mad, escalating the chaos even further.
Roman's Silent Observation
With the first light of day breaking, Roman finds himself a silent observer amid the aftermath of violence and strife. The intricate power dynamics and personal sacrifices become painfully clear as he reflects on his fate.
Explore all characters from Night of the Kings (2021). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Blackbeard (Steve Tientcheu)
Blackbeard, the ailing Dangôro, is a complex character torn between the pressures of leadership and the fight for survival. He embodies the weight of authority while struggling with despair, ultimately presenting a tragic figure in a ruthless environment. His decisions set off a chain of events that explore themes of legacy and sacrifice.
Roman
Roman is the new griot who reluctantly takes on the storytelling duty. Through his narratives, he seeks to captivate the prison audience while navigating the perils of inmate politics. His journey reveals strength and creativity, contrasting the harshness of his surroundings.
Half-Mad (Jean Cyrille Digbeu)
Half-Mad is a critical character driven by ambition, seeking to claim the title of Dangôro. His determination illustrates the dangers of power lust, showcasing a blend of loyalty and treachery. His interactions with Blackbeard and Roman highlight the complexities of camaraderie and enmity within the prison.
Learn where and when Night of the Kings (2021) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The events take place in a contemporary setting where the themes of prison life, authority, and storytelling intertwine amidst societal issues. The narrative captures the essence of struggle in a modern prison environment, with the red moon symbolizing both hope and terror.
Location
MACA Prison, Abidjan
MACA Prison is a notorious facility in Ivory Coast, where the inmates create their own governance and culture. Known for its harsh realities, the prison becomes a microcosm of power struggles, loyalty, and survival. Abidjan, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, serves as a backdrop to the struggles of the inmates, representing both decay and resilience.
Discover the main themes in Night of the Kings (2021). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Storytelling
Storytelling plays a central role in the movie, adding depth to the lives of the inmates. Roman's narratives not only entertain but also reflect their harsh realities and histories. This theme emphasizes the power of stories in preserving identities and legacies under oppressive conditions.
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Power Struggle
The film delves into the intense power struggles within the prison ecosystem, particularly the fight for the position of Dangôro. Blackbeard and his rivals learn that survival often relies on manipulation, betrayal, and the sacrifices one must make in the face of ambition and despair.
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Tragedy
Tragedy permeates the film, with the loss of lives underscoring the brutal reality of prison existence. The characters grapple with the consequences of their choices, leading to bittersweet moments that highlight the fragility of hope amidst despair.
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