Helene, a pill-addicted anesthesiologist, is mourning the death of her boyfriend when, through a car accident she causes, she chances to meet the lethargic Gilles, a young man who lives for free at his mother's hotel. Gilles pursues Helene romantically, and she eventually softens up. Gilles, however, is also devoted to Bernard, a petty crook who revels in mugging gay men. All three struggle with relationships that seem to be going nowhere.

Catherine Deneuve
as Hélène

Patrick Dewaere
as Gilles Tisserand

Etienne Chicot
as Bernard

Sabine Haudepin
as Elise Tisserand

Dominique Lavanant
as Jacqueline

Josiane Balasko
as Colette

François Perrot
as Rudel

Jean-Louis Vitrac
as Luc

Frédérique Ruchaud
as La mère

Michèle Ban de Loménie
as La mère de colette