As young men, Marcel (André Dussolier) and Pierre (Pierre Arditi) studied together at the same musical conservatory. They remain friends as adults, even if their lives have turned out very differently: Marcel is now a noted solo violinist while Pierre is an undistinguished player in a symphony. And, while Marcel has a happy marriage with Romaine (Sabine Azéma), Pierre is constantly on the prowl. This becomes evident when Marcel takes an unhealthy interest in Pierre's wife.