Normandy, 1947. Single mother Madeleine (Anaïs Demoustier) is making ends meet by working as a waitress in a hotel restaurant. One day on the beach, she meets François (Vincent Lacoste), a student from a wealthy family; despite their contrasting social backgrounds, they embark on a passionate relationship. Madeleine harbours a secret: her son Daniel was conceived during a brief liaison with a German soldier, leading to her ostracisation as a collaborator. François, in turn, conceals his bisexuality and a past relationship with a man. The film explores their complex love story over two decades, delving into themes of deception, shame, and love. Writer-director Katell Quillévéré’s complex, romantic post-war tale is inspired by her grandmother, who had a child with a German officer during WWII – a secret she kept all her life.

Notes by David O’Mahony.