Betty Fisher (Sandrine Kiberlain) is a successful novelist whose life is struck by tragedy when her only son falls from his bedroom window and later dies in hospital. Sometime later Margot (Nicole Garcia), Betty's mother, sees a young boy playing in the street nearby and brings him home to serve as a replacement son for Betty. The boy's mother, Carole (Mathilde Seigner), then reports the disappearance to the police, helping to set off a chain of events which bind the protagonists together in ways they never expected. Adapted from a novel by Ruth Rendell.

Angele (Nathalie Baye) has been working at a beauty parlour for years, and has become a confidante to her clients. Outside of her job, however, she avoids close relationships, preferring the thrill of one-night stands. When long-time admirer Antoine (Samuel Le Bihan) reveals his love for her, she begins to succumb, but matters are complicated when one of her customers pours her heart out about her boyfriend - who happens to be Angele's new lover!