Philippe, 25, arrives one morning in Arcachon, where his sister lives. He is a young man with no ties, someone people easily confide in. He works seasonal jobs in the restaurant industry. Betty, 20, is a young mother full of life and tenderness for her 5-year-old son, Damien. They still live within the family household, but Betty's relationship with her father is strained. Damien is affected by this tense atmosphere. Betty finds a job, leaves the family home, and gains independence. Betty and Philippe will cross paths.

In December of 1999, François organizes a retreat to a small island for himself, some friends, and their children to avoid the craziness of Paris during the turn of the millennium. Things quickly become tense between François and the young man who is the island's caretaker. Boredom and bickering add to the growing foreboding. By the end, will millennial noise in Paris seem mild in comparison to violence in the pastoral retreat?