In the vibrant city of Algiers, a famous gangster named Pepe le Moko has created a world of his own among the labyrinthine streets of the old town. Known for his cunning and charisma, Pepe has managed to evade the police, becoming an urban legend and a romantic hero to many. However, he lives trapped in a vicious cycle of crime and solitude, yearning to escape the life he has led.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a beautiful and captivating young woman named Inès. She arrives from mainland France, and her innocence and beauty attract Pepe like a magnet. In an attempt to forget his grim past and the constant watch of the law, Pepe falls hopelessly in love with Inès, who represents everything he has ever desired: an escape and a new life.
However, tension escalates when his rival in crime and a crafty police inspector begin to close in around him. As time runs out, Pepe faces heart-wrenching decisions that will lead him to question his morality and desires. The story weaves together romance, desperation, and the inevitable tragic downfall of a man who, though trapped in the world of crime, still dreams of redemption. The passion and uprootedness in a dark environment leave the viewer wondering if he will ever be able to escape his destiny.