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Plot summary

Superwho? (2021) Plot Summary & Timeline

Superwho? (2021) movie poster

Superwho? is a 2021 comedy and action film, running 1 hour 22 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 579 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Superwho?.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
3
themes explained
2
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Superwho? (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 22m
Genres
Comedy, Action, Family
Original language
French
No spoilers

What Is Superwho? About?

The premise of Superwho? in 274 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

Superwho? follows Cédric Dugimont, the kind of actor whose résumé reads more like a cautionary tale than a career. Years of small, forgettable gigs have left him weary, and the work that finally puts food on the table hardly counts as the spotlight he once imagined for himself. Living in the shadow of bigger names and louder successes, he drifts through auditions with the quiet hope that something, anything, might change his luck.

That something arrives in the form of Badman, a big-budget superhero feature that suddenly needs a new lead. Cédric lands the role, and for the first time in years, the future looks bright. He throws himself into the transformation — months of grueling training, a sleek new costume, and the swagger of a Hollywood star — discovering a version of himself he barely recognized. Stepping onto a major set, he begins to feel the gravitational pull of the world he has always wanted to inhabit.

But the line between performance and reality proves far thinner than he ever expected. Wearing the cape is one thing; having the world start treating him like the hero he pretends to be is something else entirely. As the boundaries of his new life blur, Cédric finds himself navigating situations that feel lifted straight from the script — only without a director calling “cut.”

With family pressures mounting, a father whose quiet expectations weigh heavily, and the strange gravity of a double life he never asked for, Cédric must reckon with who he truly is beneath the costume. The role promised a fresh start, but it may demand far more than he ever prepared to give.

Full plot

What Happens in Superwho??

The complete story of Superwho?, from the first scene to the last, in 579 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Cédric Dugimont is a struggling actor facing a series of misfortunes as he tries to carve out his niche in the entertainment industry. His most notable work thus far involves appearing in advertisements for a brand of small-sized condoms. However, his fortunes take an unexpected turn when he is offered the lead role in a superhero film titled Badman, following the tragic demise of the initial star who was killed in an accident celebrating the film’s announcement.

After months of rigorous training, Cédric embarks on filming alongside the well-known actor Alain Belmont, who portrays Badman’s archenemy, Le Clown. However, just after wrapping up his first day on set, Cédric receives distressing news that his father, police chief Michel Dugimont, has collapsed unexpectedly. Wearing his Badman costume under a jacket, Cédric hastily drives the Badmobile to the hospital. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning prop explosive in the trunk leads to a chaotic crash through a nearby bank.

Upon awakening, Cédric finds himself afflicted with amnesia but soon becomes convinced he is Badman after seeing film props in his car. This misbelief leads him to attack two police officers near a lake before he makes a sudden escape. During this tumultuous time, he is taken in by a family who offers him shelter for the night. Intrigued by the plot, he activates a prop watch that plays a recorded scene of Le Clown holding Badman’s wife and child hostage, further entrenching him in this fictional world.

Determined to confront the supposed villain, Cédric embarks on a mission to Le Clown’s hideout in Vaucresson, which he discovers to be Belmont’s actual residence. Along the way, Cédric gets a ride from Laure Laville, a news reporter, but they are sidetracked when they encounter a bank heist perpetrated by the notorious Le Schizo and his gang. When one of Le Schizo’s henchmen attempts to abduct Laure, Cédric instinctively taps into his superhero persona to subdue the criminal, after which he drives off with Laure, only to leave her behind moments later.

As Cédric finds himself on the run from Le Schizo and his crew, he sneaks into Belmont’s mansion, where he stumbles upon a birthday celebration. It is here that he realizes that the supposed captives of Badman’s family are, in fact, Belmont’s actual wife and son. In a misguided twist of fate, Cédric kidnaps Belmont’s son, seeking refuge in a barn, but soon finds himself knocked unconscious by his father Michel. Michel, upon recognizing his son, allows Cédric to escape to safety.

With the help of his sister Éléonore and friends Adam and Seb, Cédric is facilitated back to the studio where they desperately try to rekindle his memories. Just as Cédric has a breakthrough in recollection, Le Schizo confronts him about the failed robbery. In a riveting showdown, Cédric uses a grappling hook to disarm Le Schizo, inadvertently sending his gun flying into the adjacent studio. After an intense battle, Cédric manages to subdue Le Schizo and leaves him for Michel and the police to take into custody.

The following day, Cédric visits Laure and discovers that she is his former girlfriend, leading to a heartfelt reconnection. In an odd twist, the news mentions that Tom Cruise is accidentally shot during the filming of a Mission: Impossible sequel. As the world premiere of Badman unfolds, Cédric acknowledges his father’s retirement from active duty as a police officer, concluding with a triumphant scene from the film where Badman overcomes Le Clown and rescues his family.

Timeline

Superwho? Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Cédric's Struggles” to “World Premiere of Badman”. 9 events name a place, across 7 locations.

  1. 1

    Cédric's Struggles

    Cédric Dugimont is introduced as an unsuccessful actor, trying to establish his career. His most notable role to date involves endorsing small-sized condoms, marking the low point of his acting journey.

  2. 2

    Lead Role Offer

    Cédric receives an unexpected opportunity to star in a superhero film titled 'Badman'. This chance arises after the original lead unexpectedly dies in an accident during the film's announcement celebration.

  3. 3

    Training Begins

    After being cast, Cédric undergoes rigorous training to prepare for his role as Badman. He is set to work alongside renowned actor Alain Belmont, who plays his formidable enemy, Clown.

  4. 4

    Father's Collapse

    On the first day of filming, Cédric receives distressing news that his father, Police Chief Michel, has collapsed unexpectedly. This shocking event prompts him to rush to the hospital, still in his Badman costume.

    Where:Hospital

  5. 5

    Accident with the Badmobile

    While driving the Badmobile to the hospital, an explosive prop in the trunk malfunctions, leading to a chaotic crash into a bank. This accident results in Cédric waking up with amnesia.

    Where:Bank

  6. 6

    Identity Crisis

    Upon awakening, Cédric is bewildered and believes he truly is Badman after seeing the film props around him. In a fit of confusion, he attacks two police officers at a nearby lake before fleeing the scene.

    Where:Lake

  7. 7

    Staying with a Family

    Cédric is taken in by a family for the night, where he continues to confuse fantasy with reality. He activates a prop watch that plays a scene involving Clown holding Badman's family hostage, further deepening his delusion.

    Where:Family's Home

  8. 8

    Chasing Clown

    Believing he needs to rescue his family, Cédric sets out for Clown's hideout, which he mistakenly believes is a real threat. He manages to hitch a ride with a news reporter, Laure Laville, who soon detours for breaking news.

    Where:Vaucresson

  9. 9

    Confronting Thugs

    During a detour to cover a bank robbery, one of the criminals attempts to kidnap Laure. Cédric springs into action, unleashing his inner Badman to rescue her, successfully knocking out the thug before fleeing.

    Where:Bank

  10. 10

    Birthday Party Revelation

    Seeking refuge, Cédric stumbles into Belmont's birthday party, discovering shocking truths about Badman's family. He mistakenly kidnaps Belmont's son, believing it to be part of his superhero narrative.

    Where:Belmont's Mansion

Show the other 5 events of Superwho?
  1. 11

    Knocked Out

    Just as he tries to hide the kidnapped boy, Cédric is knocked unconscious by his father Michel, who is unaware of his son's identity. However, Michel soon helps Cédric remember who he really is.

  2. 12

    Returning to Reality

    Cédric's sister Éléonore and friends Adam and Seb take him back to the studio, where they work to bring his memories back. As he regains clarity, they face an unexpected confrontation with Le Schizo.

    Where:Studio

  3. 13

    Defeating Le Schizo

    In a tense showdown, Cédric manages to disarm Le Schizo using his grappling hook. After an intense fight, he defeats the criminal and ensures that he is left for the police to apprehend.

    Where:Studio

  4. 14

    Reunion with Laure

    The following day, Cédric has an emotional reunion with Laure, discovering she is his former girlfriend. Their connection reignites as they cope with the fallout of recent events.

  5. 15

    World Premiere of Badman

    At the world premiere of 'Badman', Cédric acknowledges his father's contributions to his life now that he has retired from the police force. The film culminates with a climactic scene where Badman triumphs over Clown.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Superwho??

3 characters, among them Cédric Dugimont, Alain Belmont "Le Clown" and Laure Laville: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • CD

    Cédric Dugimont

    Cédric is a down-on-his-luck actor who juggles the challenges of his career and personal crises. His unexpected journey into the superhero role of Badman forces him to confront his insecurities and ultimately discover his true self. Despite his comedic misadventures, Cédric demonstrates resilience and growth throughout the film.

    • 🎬 Actor
    • 💪 Determination
  • AB

    Alain Belmont "Le Clown"

    Played by Georges Corraface

    Alain Belmont, portraying Badman's nemesis, is a seasoned actor whose presence adds gravitas to the film. As a character, he embodies both professionalism and a shadowy complexity, navigating the thin line between performance and reality. His interactions with Cédric highlight the nuances of mentorship and rivalry in the competitive world of acting.

    • 🎭 Rival
    • 🌟 Mentor
  • LL

    Laure Laville

    Played by Alice Dufour

    Laure is a dynamic news reporter whose detour with Cédric catalyzes much of the film's plot. She represents the fast-paced world of journalism and the unexpected intersections of life. Her relationship with Cédric showcases the blend of personal and professional lives, illustrating the complexities of former relationships rekindled in unusual circumstances.

    • 📰 Journalist
    • ❤️ Love Interest
Setting

Where and When Is Superwho? Set?

Superwho? is set in Vaucresson. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The events of the movie blend contemporary life and the glamorous yet chaotic world of filmmaking. This period showcases the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, where actors grapple with their identities amid the pressures of fame and their roles, set against modern-day societal expectations.

Where

Vaucresson

Vaucresson is a picturesque suburb located near Paris, France. Known for its charming residential areas and proximity to the city, it serves as a backdrop for various artistic endeavors, including film productions. The quiet, lush environment contrasts with the chaotic action of the superhero film being shot within its borders.

  • 🏙️ Location
  • 🎬 Film Set
Themes

What Are the Themes of Superwho??

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity and Relationships.

  1. 01

    Identity

    The theme of identity plays a crucial role as Cédric struggles to differentiate between his character and real life after suffering amnesia. His journey of self-discovery highlights the thin line between performance and reality, emphasizing how roles can consume one's personal identity. This theme resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected from their true self.

  2. 02

    Relationships

    Relationships are central to Cédric's journey, notably his reconnection with Laure. As characters navigate their intertwined lives amidst the chaos of the film set, the importance of personal connections becomes evident. This theme captures the emotional struggles and reconciliations that define human interactions and the challenges of rekindling past relationships.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Superwho??

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A lighthearted French superhero parody that leans into absurdity as an actor with amnesia genuinely believes he is his on-screen alter ego, sparking slapstick chaos and charmingly ridiculous situations.

  • playful
  • absurd
  • slapstick
  • chaotic
  • lighthearted
  • parodic
  • superhero parody
  • amnesia
  • mistaken identity
  • acting career

Content notes: slapstick violence, impersonation.

Quiz

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FAQ

Superwho? Plot Questions

4 quick answers about Superwho?, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page.

What is Superwho? about?

Superwho? follows Cédric Dugimont, the kind of actor whose résumé reads more like a cautionary tale than a career. Years of small, forgettable gigs have left him weary, and the work that finally puts food on the table hardly counts as the spotlight he once imagined for himself.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Superwho? take place?

Superwho? is set in Vaucresson. The events of the movie blend contemporary life and the glamorous yet chaotic world of filmmaking. This period showcases the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, where actors grapple with their identities amid…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Superwho??

The story follows Cédric Dugimont, Alain Belmont "Le Clown" (played by Georges Corraface) and Laure Laville (played by Alice Dufour).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Superwho??

The summary picks out 2 themes: Identity and Relationships.

The themes explained

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