Alice and Martin 1998

Martin's life in Cahors with his mother

At age ten, Martin lives with his hairdresser mother Jeanine and her taxi-driver lover Said in Cahors. He learns he is the illegitimate child of Victor Sauvagnac, a successful businessman. When his mother sends him to live with Victor, the move is unhappy and he clashes with his cold, brash father.

Move to Victor Sauvagnac's home and tense beginnings

Martin is relocated to Victor's home, entering a rigid, divided household. Victor is married with three older sons, and the atmosphere feels hostile to an outsider. The early years are defined by friction and longing for belonging.

Victor's death and Martin's flight

Victor Sauvagnac dies, and Martin flees his family's home. He tries to drown his sorrows by attempting suicide, then drifts across the country until he reaches his half-brother Benjamin's apartment in Paris.

Martin's modeling breakthrough in Paris

In a matter of weeks after arriving in Paris, Martin is discovered and becomes a sought-after model. He moves in with Benjamin, who is a struggling actor, and Alice, a violinist who shares the flat. The rapid fame contrasts with his unsettled inner life.

Alice's grief and initial coldness toward Martin

Alice is grieving the death of her gifted sister and is wary of the new arrival. She resents Martin at first, staying cold toward him in the shared apartment. Yet his persistent attention gradually unsettles her and draws her into his orbit.

The affair and Granada modeling trip

Martin and Alice begin a passionate affair that unsettles the dynamic in the Paris flat. They travel to Granada, Spain for a modeling shoot, where their happiness is short-lived and Martin's behavior grows erratic.

Alice's pregnancy and Martin's decline

Alice reveals she is pregnant, amplifying Martin's downward spiral. His self-absorption deepens and the couple's joy gives way to tension and unease. The pregnancy becomes a focal point of the mounting crisis.

Nervous breakdown and coma

Martin suffers a severe nervous breakdown and falls into a coma, doctors diagnosing psychosomatic illness. The collapse shatters the fragile bond with Alice and signals a turning point in his life.

Sea-side cabin therapy and haunting memories

To recover, Alice rents a cabin by the sea on Spain's southern coast and Martin spends hours swimming each night. He remains withdrawn, haunted by memories of his father's death and the burden of guilt. The sea both comforts and torments him.

Flashback: the period leading to Victor's death

A flashback chronicles the tense prelude to Victor Sauvagnac’s death: Martin is withdrawn, François commits suicide at the factory, and a heated confrontation with Frédéric amplifies the family rift.

The murder and escape

During the volatile period, an argument escalates and Martin pushes Victor down the stairs, killing him. Unable to cope with the act, he runs away and hides from the family and authorities.

confession and imprisonment

Lucie, Victor's widow, decides to report Martin’s culpability to the authorities. Martin eventually confesses and surrenders, leading to his imprisonment. The weight of guilt drives the remaining years of his life.

Alice reaches Cahors; meeting the Sauvagnac family

Alice travels to Cahors to confront the Sauvagnac family and support Martin. She befriends Martin’s mother, while Lucie remains hostile and Frédéric openly antagonistic. Benjamin travels from Paris, and the family begins to adjust to her presence.

Resolution of friendships and plans for the future

Benjamin reconciles with Alice and backs her decision regarding her unborn child. The tense relationships slowly ease as they confront the truth about Martin.