Simon Varlet is an experienced, brilliant lawyer who says out loud what others only think. He is more devoted to his fees than to the interests of justice or the code of ethics. As a form of "punishment," his friend and bar president assigns him to defend Philippe Moreau, a young priest accused of killing one of his parishioners. Unconcerned by the case and allergic to religion and all forms of idealism, Simon is convinced that his client is guilty. Will he remain convinced?

In 1919, in a small town under the crushing heat of summer, a war hero is held prisoner in an abandoned barracks. Outside, his mangy dog barks night and day. Not far off in the countryside, an extraordinarily intelligent young woman works the land, waiting and hoping. A judge whose principles have been sorely shaken by the war is coming to sort out this case of which it is better not to speak.

60-something Henri meets 50-something Lila, and sparks fly - until they both must reconcile their very different lives and backgrounds.