Simon (Belgian Jérémie Rénier), a pulmonary specialist, is a hardened medical professional in his late 30s – how does he cope with being around sickness and death all day long? He’s learned to protect himself, otherwise how could he endure? But when his critically-ill mother, (Marthe Keller) is hospitalized in an adjoining unit, Simon’s private and professional lives collide. Suddenly, his universe is upended, and all his certainties and convictions need re-appraisal. Intern Agathe, (Zita Hanrot, César Best Newcomer 2016) provides support and counselling.

First-time director/co-screenwriter David Roux gives us a peek behind the curtain of hospital life. Interestingly, the film opened the prestigious Locarno Festival 2018 in its 8,000 seat Piazza Grande.