It is a remake of the 1978 American film Fingers, and tells the story of Tom, a shady realtor torn between a criminal life and his desire to become a concert pianist.

His business partners, Fabrice and Sami, spend much of their time ruthlessly chasing squatters and illegal immigrants out of the buildings they have procured and trying to work their way around government housing regulations.

Tom misses appointments and drops assignments while practicing piano around the clock, and having an affair with the wife of one of his promiscuous business partners.

Tom reaches the high standards of his teacher, but falls apart at the audition, having stayed up all night helping his partners with a business deal.

Tom washes in the restroom and takes his seat in the concert hall, knuckles and shirt bloody, exchanging affectionate glances with Miao Lin at the piano.

The idea that affection can blossom despite a language barrier is one which Jacques Audiard has raised before in Read My Lips (starring Vincent Cassel).