Returning to his hometown of Sardent after a long absence, Francois is struck by how little has changed. That is until he is reunited with his best friend from childhood, Serge. Once a happy-go-lucky and debonair playboy, Serge has deteriorated into a depressive alcoholic, plagued by self-doubt and still mourning his stillborn son, despite the imminent arrival of another child. Francois is determined to help his friend "see the light", but to what extent will his helpfulness come at the expense of his own health?