It is based on the Guy de Maupassant's novel Une vie about a sensitive woman forced to face the harshness of the world.

[4] The film is described as "the delicate story of a life of candid emotions and searing disappointments", which presents the novel "in a series of bright flashbacks and gloomy flashforwards".

Using a hand-held camera, Brizé frames "the heroine, played by a magnificent Judith Chemla... in 4:3 format (also known as 1.33:1), imprisoning her in a tormented existence".

Baron Simone-Jacques Le Perthuis and his wife Adelaide have one child, Jeanne, whose friend is their servant Rosalie, the same age as her.

When Julien is shot by Gilberte's husband Jeanne's son Paul, in poor health is educated at home before being sent away aged 12 to boarding school.