What Is The Angel About?
The premise of The Angel in 245 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the restless aftermath of a continent‑wide conflict, Ashraf Marwan finds himself caught between the glitter of diplomatic corridors and the shadows of covert maneuvering. Born into a family tied to power, he balances the expectations of a prominent lineage with a restless yearning for purpose. The world around him is a mosaic of shifting alliances, heated debates about peace, and an ever‑present undercurrent of suspicion that colors every conversation.
As Ashraf navigates the intimate spaces of home—his marriage to Mona and the tender moments with his young son—he is simultaneously drawn into a larger, invisible game where whispers can alter borders. The tone is tense yet intimate, a blend of personal yearning and geopolitical pressure that casts ordinary relationships in stark relief. Through muted corridors of embassies and quiet cafés, the film paints a portrait of a man whose quest for identity becomes entangled with the fragile hope for stability in a region on the brink.
The atmosphere crackles with quiet urgency; every gesture hints at hidden agendas, and every glance carries the weight of potential betrayal. Ashraf’s dual existence forces him to confront questions of loyalty, honor, and the cost of ambition, all while the wider world teeters between war and the fragile promise of peace. The story invites viewers to wonder how far one will go to reconcile personal convictions with the demands of a nation in turmoil, setting the stage for a tension‑filled journey that balances the intimate with the epic.
What Happens in The Angel?
The complete story of The Angel, from the first scene to the last, in 731 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 9 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel seized substantial territories, including the Sinai Peninsula, which originally belonged to Egypt. This situation sparked a fierce desire among Arabs to reclaim their land, leading to Palestinian groups planning terrorist attacks against Israel.
On September 3, 1973, Ashraf Marwan (Marwan Kenzari) finds himself in a precarious situation at the Rome International Airport, negotiating with Arab terrorists who possess a missile launcher he smuggled into Italy concealed in his suitcase. He insists on leaving at once, posing as an Egyptian diplomat to avoid the attack that the insurgents are planning against a commercial airline bound for Israel.
Flashback to 1970, Ashraf resides in London with his wife, Mona (Maisa Abd Elhadi), the daughter of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser (Waleed Zuaiter). While raising their son, Ashraf confronts Nasser about the ongoing Israeli conflict. He advocates for a diplomatic approach instead of continued violence, urging Nasser to seek peace, especially with the US as a mediator. However, Nasser rebuffs him, fearing the loss of USSR support, leading to a tense atmosphere within their relationship.
In a twist of fate, after overhearing Nasser’s directive for Mona to divorce him, Ashraf feels trapped and ashamed, compounded by the discovery that Nasser is monitoring his movements through Sami Sharaf (Slimane Dazi). This vigilance creates suspicion that Ashraf is unfaithful, particularly regarding his interactions with actress Diana Ellis (Hannah Ware). In a moment of desperation, Ashraf attempts to reach out to the Israeli Ambassador, Michael Comay, but is denied contact.
Following Nasser’s untimely death due to a heart attack, Ashraf’s family returns to Cairo where Vice President Anwar Sadat (Sasson Gabai) assumes leadership. Sadat, more inclined to embrace the US, distances himself from Nasser’s officials, including Sami. Demonstrating his loyalty, Ashraf gains Sadat’s trust by exposing high-level corruption within the government, gradually establishing himself as a key political figure in Egypt, although at the cost of his familial relationships. He still finds solace in personal moments, like reading The Boy Who Cried Wolf to his son.
Amidst this chaos, Ashraf becomes entangled with Mossad agents, who present him with evidence of his earlier attempts to reveal state secrets. Meeting with his Mossad contact, Alex (Toby Kebbell), Ashraf starts disseminating valuable intelligence, earning the code name “the angel.” Sadat, concerned about his hold on power, pressures Ashraf for solutions, not realizing that Ashraf’s actions don’t necessarily align with his military ambitions.
As tensions escalate, Ashraf becomes a reluctant messenger, warning his Israeli counterparts of imminent attacks that do not materialize, causing Mossad to doubt his reliability. After being kidnapped and assaulted by Mossad, Ashraf negotiates for peace instead of retaliation, convincing them to engage diplomatically with Sadat regarding potential land returns.
Simultaneously, Ashraf builds a rapport with Muammar Gaddafi (Tsahi Halevi), aiming to secure Egypt’s access to Libyan oil. Amidst rising tensions due to Israel’s actions against a Libyan commercial flight, Ashraf counterbalances the need for vengeance with a strategic maneuvering to avoid escalating conflicts.
Ultimately, back at the airport on September 3, 1973, Ashraf sabotages the missile launcher handed to the terrorists, rendering it useless and alerting the Italian authorities, who apprehend the assailants.
Having regained the confidence of Mossad, Ashraf now faces another critical juncture: he alerts Alex and Mossad chief Zvi Zamir (Ori Pfeffer) of an impending Egyptian assault on Yom Kippur. However, his warnings are dismissed yet again. This instance cleverly echoes the tale of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, as Ashraf devises a pretext for a swift yet effective surprise attack on Israel, knowing that true peace necessitates strategic sacrifices.
The ensuing stalemate during the Yom Kippur War eventually leads to landmark peace negotiations, culminating in the historic treaty celebrated by Sadat and Menachem Begin, both recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Unfortunately, Ashraf’s marriage deteriorates, as Mona remains oblivious to his actual motives and efforts behind his clandestine trips and social engagements.
Years later, Alex reconnects with Ashraf, presenting him with a copy of Aesop’s Fables and acknowledges the wisdom embedded in the Boy Who Cried Wolf strategy. Ashraf reflects on his experience, asserting that if peace is the outcome, then all sacrifices have been worthwhile.
In a poignant closing note, an epilogue reveals the mysterious circumstances surrounding Ashraf’s death in 2007, when he fell from his London balcony. He is honored as a national hero, uniquely revered by both Israeli and Egyptian citizens alike.
The Angel Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Six-Day War Begins” to “Ashraf's Mysterious Death”. 5 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Six-Day War Begins
In June 1967, the Six-Day War erupts, leading to Israel's capture of significant territories. Among these is the Sinai Peninsula, previously held by Egypt, which intensifies conflict and desire among Arabs to reclaim their lands.
When:June 1967
- 2
Emergence of Palestinian Terrorist Plans
The aftermath of the Six-Day War ignites a fervent response from Palestinian groups, who begin to strategize terrorist attacks aimed at Israel. This period marks a significant escalation in hostilities and mutual distrust between the regions.
- 3
Ashraf's Predicament at Rome Airport
On September 3, 1973, Ashraf Marwan finds himself at the Rome International Airport attempting to negotiate with Arab terrorists. During this tense confrontation, he poses as an Egyptian diplomat in a desperate bid to escape a terrorist plot against a commercial airline headed for Israel.
When:September 3, 1973 Where:Rome International Airport
- 4
Tensions with Nasser in London
Flashback to 1970, where Ashraf and his wife, Mona, living in London, confront the ongoing Israeli conflict. Seeking peace, he pressures President Nasser to consider diplomacy instead of violence, but Nasser dismisses his appeals, fearing a loss of Soviet support.
When:1970 Where:London
- 5
Ashraf's Growing Isolation
Overhearing Nasser's directive for Mona to divorce him, Ashraf feels increasingly isolated. Compounded by Nasser's surveillance, suspicion arises about Ashraf’s fidelity, particularly concerning his friendship with actress Diana Ellis, leading to a strained home life.
- 6
Nasser's Death and Ashraf's Rise
Following Nasser's sudden death due to a heart attack, Ashraf’s family returns to Cairo. He navigates the transition of power to Vice President Sadat, who appreciates Ashraf's loyalty after he uncovers governmental corruption, positioning Ashraf as a pivotal political actor.
When:1970 Where:Cairo
- 7
Connection with Mossad
As Ashraf aligns himself closer with Sadat, he also becomes entangled with Mossad agents. Recognized for his intelligence capabilities, he earns the code name 'the angel' and begins sharing sensitive information, though his true loyalties remain complex.
- 8
Warning of Imminent Attacks
Amid rising tensions, Ashraf warns his Israeli contacts about impending attacks, but his credibility wanes as the threats fail to materialize. This situation casts doubt on his reliability among Mossad, leading to a precarious position where trust is scarce.
- 9
Negotiations for Peace
When kidnapped and assaulted by Mossad agents, Ashraf uses the moment to broker a peace strategy instead of retaliatory violence. He persuades them to pursue diplomatic relations with Sadat regarding territorial disputes, showcasing his commitment to peace.
- 10
Building Ties with Gaddafi
Ashraf forges a relationship with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to secure vital oil resources for Egypt. Despite tensions from Israel’s actions against Libya, Ashraf balances vengeful ambitions with strategic diplomacy to prevent conflict escalation.
Show the other 5 events of The Angel Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Airport Sabotage
Returning to the Rome International Airport, Ashraf takes decisive action against the terrorists by sabotaging the missile launcher they possess. His quick-thinking alerts Italian authorities, resulting in the apprehension of the assailants and saving lives.
When:September 3, 1973 Where:Rome International Airport
- 12
Warnings about Yom Kippur Assault
After restoring his standing with Mossad, Ashraf attempts to alert them about an imminent Egyptian assault on Yom Kippur. His warnings are once again disregarded, echoing the cautionary tale of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf', placing Ashraf at a critical crossroads.
- 13
Yom Kippur War Stalemate
The ensuing Yom Kippur War leads to a deadlock between Israel and Egypt, prompting ground-breaking peace negotiations. This culminates in a historic treaty between Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, earning both leaders the Nobel Peace Prize.
- 14
Deterioration of Ashraf's Marriage
As Ashraf's significant role in these covert efforts unfolds, his marriage to Mona suffers irreparable damage. Unaware of Ashraf’s motives, their relationship crumbles due to the secrecy and deception surrounding his political engagements.
- 15
Ashraf's Mysterious Death
In 2007, Ashraf's life comes to a tragic end as he falls from his London balcony under mysterious circumstances. Posthumously honored as a national hero, he garners respect from both Israeli and Egyptian citizens for his pivotal role in peace efforts.
When:2007 Where:London
Who Are the Main Characters in The Angel?
4 characters, among them Ashraf Marwan (Marwan Kenzari), Mona Marwan (Maisa Abd Elhadi) and Gamal Abdel Nasser (Waleed Zuaiter): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Ashraf Marwan (Marwan Kenzari)
Played by Marwan Kenzari
Ashraf Marwan is a complex character embodying ambition and idealism. As the son-in-law of President Nasser, he initially seeks peace through diplomacy but becomes embroiled in espionage and political intrigue. His loyalties are constantly tested, leading him to navigate a dangerous path where personal sacrifices become the norm.
- 🕵️♂️ Spy
- 💔 Conflicted
- 🎖️ Hero
-
Mona Marwan (Maisa Abd Elhadi)
Played by Maisa Abd Elhadi
Mona is a poignant figure representing the personal cost of political upheaval. As Ashraf's wife and the daughter of Nasser, she is caught in a web of loyalty and familial obligations. Her struggles with Ashraf's secrets reveal the emotional toll of political machinations on personal relationships.
- 👩❤️👨 Family
- 🤔 Unaware
- 💔 Sacrifice
-
Gamal Abdel Nasser (Waleed Zuaiter)
Played by Waleed Zuaiter
Nasser, the Egyptian President, plays a critical role in shaping Ashraf's path. His staunch political beliefs and resistance to change create tension with Ashraf, who advocates for peace. Nasser's legacy looms over Ashraf, influencing his actions and decisions during tumultuous times.
- 🇪🇬 Leader
- 👑 Authoritative
- ✊ Conflict
-
Michael Comay (Toby Kebbell)
Played by Toby Kebbell
Michael is the Israeli Ambassador, representing the diplomatic tensions between Israel and Egypt. His relationship with Ashraf becomes crucial as Ashraf seeks to serve as a bridge between conflicting factions. Their interactions highlight the delicate balance of trust and strategy in the pursuit of peace.
- 🇮🇱 Diplomat
- 🤝 Trust
- 📜 Strategy
Where and When Is The Angel Set?
The Angel is set in Cairo, London, Rome and Sinai Peninsula (1967-2007). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1967-2007
The movie unfolds over several decades, starting from the Six-Day War in 1967, a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history that reshaped territorial boundaries. The events span through to the Yom Kippur War and beyond, culminating in the peace negotiations of the late 1970s. This era is marked by significant political changes, including shifts in Egyptian leadership and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Where
Cairo, London, Rome, Sinai Peninsula
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural significance. London, a global metropolis, serves as a contrasting backdrop where Ashraf Marwan navigates personal and political challenges. Rome, particularly its international airport, becomes a critical setting for high-stakes negotiations with terrorists. The Sinai Peninsula, seized during the Six-Day War, highlights the territorial conflicts and historical tensions between Israel and Egypt.
- 🇪🇬 Egypt
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇮🇱 Israel
- ✈️ Italy
What Are the Themes of The Angel?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Betrayal and Loyalty, Peace vs. Conflict and Identity and Heritage.
-
01
Betrayal and Loyalty
The theme of betrayal permeates Ashraf Marwan's life, particularly in his relationships with political figures. He navigates a treacherous landscape where trust is a commodity that can be exploited, leading to personal and political dilemmas. His complex loyalties, oscillating between Egypt and Israel, culminate in a journey where the dichotomy of fidelity and deception plays a crucial role.
-
02
Peace vs. Conflict
The film grapples with the recurring theme of peace versus conflict, as Ashraf advocates for diplomatic solutions amidst escalating violence. His journey illustrates the sacrifices necessary for peace, revealing the darker sides of political maneuvering and the personal toll it takes on his life. The narrative explores the difficult choices individuals must make in the pursuit of peace.
-
03
Identity and Heritage
Ashraf's identity as the son-in-law of a prominent Egyptian leader complicates his personal ambitions. The film delves into the struggle of balancing heritage with individual goals, as Ashraf seeks to forge a path separate from his family's legacy. His dual identity becomes a critical asset and a burdensome weight as he maneuvers through complex political landscapes.
What Kind of Film Is The Angel?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and morally complex political thriller that follows a double agent's high-stakes journey through Cold War espionage, creating a constant sense of paranoia and profound personal sacrifice amid historic peace negotiations.
- tense
- suspenseful
- claustrophobic
- paranoid
- strategic
- melancholic
- espionage
- political thriller
- middle east conflict
- moral compromise
Content notes: war violence, kidnapping, assault, terrorism, political assassination.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Angel? Test yourself on the story.
