On a work assignment in Germany, failed journalist Albin crosses paths with Andreas, a successful writer, and his wife Hélène, who quickly becomes the apple of Albin’s eye. While Andreas is off on a business trip, Albin tries to seduce Hélèn and, eventually, take over Andreas’ life.

Claude Chabrol’s overlooked early film exemplifies the director’s soon-to-be signature disdain for bourgeois values. Ruthlessly toying with marital sanctity, this cruel examination of the basest human instincts also hints at the instability of the French national identity in the aftermath of WWII.