After acquiring evidence of his wife's infidelity, Charles confronts and murders Hélène's lover, Victor Pégala (Maurice Ronet). When the police question the married couple about their connection to the murdered man, both Hélène and Charles continue their perilous dance of deception.

The three main characters give terrific performances, each conveying their strengths, weaknesses and charms.

It’s a brilliant scrutiny of the middle-class that evokes both cynicism and sympathy for them as they discover each other’s secrets.