The film argues that absolute love, removed from society, cannot survive. Solal and Ariane destroy each other precisely because they refuse compromise.

(Natalia Vodianova), a beautiful Protestant aristocrat married to one of Solal's employees.

The narrative centers on , a high-ranking Jewish official at the League of Nations who has risen from humble beginnings. He becomes consumed by a tempestuous affair with Ariane Dechamps , a beautiful Protestant aristocrat and the wife of one of his subordinates.