France 1940. As Hitler's armies descend upon Paris, Lucile (Michelle Williams) awaits news from her husband who is being held a prisoner of war. Leading a stifled existence with her domineering mother-in-law (Kristin Scott Thomas) Lucille's life is turned upside down when a handsome and charming German officer (Matthias Schoenaerts) is posted to live with them. Despite the many taboos, they find themselves drawn to each other, until the realities of war threaten to destroy them.