Released in theaters on December 18, 2024, Sous écrous is an action comedy directed by Hakim Bougheraba, co-written with Redouane Bougheraba and Ichem Bougheraba. Based on the highly popular Marseille-based web series which has amassed over 150 million views on YouTube, the film will be available on Netflix starting on March 24, 2026.
The cast features Ichem Bougheraba, Arriles Amrani, and Bernard Farcy in a prison comedy that combines action, chaos, and broad Marseille-style humor.
Sammy is a law student balancing his studies with a part-time job delivering pizzas. His world turns upside down when he's arrested for a robbery he didn’t commit. Behind this setup is Eddy Barra, a notorious thief known as "The Arsenal"... and his exact lookalike. Taking advantage of their resemblance, Eddy tricks Sammy into taking the fall for his crimes.
Thrown into prison, Sammy has to figure out how to survive by pretending to be the tough guy he's not. With the help of Nada, a loud-mouthed inmate who calls himself the “king of the yard,” he tries to clear his name while maneuvering through a world where nobody really is who they claim to be.
Originally, Sous écrous was a Marseille-based prison web series led by Ichem Bougheraba and Arriles Amrani. The film retains the characters and universe that captivated online audiences, while amplifying the storyline and heightening the dramatic stakes. The team explains that they wanted to steer clear of constant humor to give the story breathing room and to develop the characters more deeply.
Written during lockdown by Hakim, Ali, Ichem, and Redouane, the project had a clear vision: to deliver an authentic urban action-comedy set in Marseille—a city that hadn’t really seen such a vibrant take on popular cinema since Taxi.
Passionate about action films, the creators draw inspiration from a range of sources—from John Wick and Jason Bourne to Korean cinema’s The Villainess, as well as classic Jackie Chan martial arts movies. The high-octane scenes were shot on Marseille’s Vieux-Port, featuring large-scale explosions and daring stunt work.
For the dual role played by Ichem Bougheraba, the director drew inspiration from films featuring look-alikes or sinister doubles, using posture and attitude to clearly distinguish the two characters. As for Bernard Farcy, a legendary figure of the Taxi series, his appearance is a deliberate nod to the beloved popular Marseille cinema.
Combining slapstick humor, choreographed fight scenes, and a quirky take on prison life, Sous écrous follows in the footsteps of classic French comedies rooted in a distinct sense of place and fueled by collective energy.
Screwed
Film | 2024
In theaters: December 18, 2024
Available on Netflix from March 24, 2026
Action, Comedy | Duration: 1h51
Directed by Hakim Bougheraba
Starring Ichem Bougheraba, Arriles Amrani, Bernard Farcy
Country: France
After making a splash on YouTube and in theaters, Sous écrous now continues its journey in streaming. This energetic action comedy is fueled by a strong sense of camaraderie and a clear desire to showcase Marseille on the big screen.
To explore further, check out our curated list of the Netflix releases for March, our comprehensive guide to new streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top pick in what to watch today in streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
