During a burglary, a young man stumbles into a subterranean world of sadomasochism. The apartment’s mistress runs a two-floor operation, all respectability above and her punishment-seeking clients below. After the man becomes her upstairs lover, the two levels begin to interfere with each other.

One of the most audacious works from versatile director Barbet Schroeder, Maîtresse stars Gerard Depardieu, and is based on a real encounter with the world of sadomasochism. Literally unravelling across two floors, this playful film is part sweet romance, part daring portrait of a dominatrix’s life.