A true story shot in a German Impressionistic style. In France during the Nazi occupation, Dr. Petiot (Michel Serrault) offered to help Jews escape the Nazis. They would come to his house, and he would kindly give them lethal "vaccinations" for their anticipated travel to Argentina. Then he would steal everything the brought with them (in addition to their up-front payment to him) and burn their bodies in his home-made crematorium.

After a painful separation 25 years ago, Séverine chose to immerse herself in work. She has created her own publishing house, small, of course, but one which gives her full satisfaction. Until the day when Jean-Pierre, her ex-husband, former business banker, shows up in his office. He is completely ruined, unemployed, and threatened with expulsion. Séverine agrees to help him on two conditions: nobody needs to know who he really is, and he will be a ... surface technician.