In Algiers in 1993, while the civil war is starting, Mrs Osmane's tenants have to endure her bad temper. Her husband left her and the fear to lose her respectability haunt her. The former member of the Resistance during the Independence War persists in controlling the slightest moves of the households rather than struggle against her own frustrations. Learning her daughter is in love, the possibility of finding herself alone will push her to the limit: The symbolical Mrs Osmane "harem" is about to collapse.

Biyouna
as Meriem

Carmen Maura
as Madama Osmane

Djemel Barek
as Sid Ali

Andrée Damant
as Mrs. Costa

Afida Tahri
as Kheira

Smaïl Mekki
as Mimich

Myriam Amarouchene
as Yasmine

Justine Mallier-Giraud
as Kahina

Henryk Wodzinski
as M. Stoliaroff

Linda Slimani
as Sakina