Café de Flore

Antoine, a successful DJ in present-day Montreal, is introduced as a man who seemingly has everything. He is in a passionate relationship with his partner Rose and has two beautiful daughters, but the shadow of his recent divorce looms over him.

Antoine's ex-wife, Carole, is struggling to cope with their recent separation. Her sense of self has been shattered, leading to a gradual decline in her mental health influenced by her heartbreak and feelings of alienation.

Haunted by recurring dreams, Carole begins to see visions of Jacqueline and her son Laurent, a striking mother-son duo from the 1960s. These figures from a different time are both comforting and perplexing to her, intensifying her internal struggle.

The film transitions to 1960s Paris, where we meet Jacqueline, a determined mother devoted to her son Laurent, who has Down Syndrome. Jacqueline is depicted as self-sacrificing, striving to provide Laurent with a happy and 'normal' life despite the challenges they face.

Jacqueline abandons her former life and aspirations to wholly dedicate herself to Laurent. She navigates the difficulties of being a single mother and fights societal perceptions in an effort to ensure her son thrives.

At school, Laurent befriends Véronique, another child with Down Syndrome. This friendship alters the dynamic between Jacqueline and Laurent, introducing new challenges and joys that redefine their relationship.

As Carole's hallucinations intensify, her grip on reality weakens. She battles her torment with medication and substance abuse, desperately searching for clarity but only finding more confusion.

Carole seeks help from a spiritual guide who offers her theories about Jacqueline and Laurent. This guidance leads her to believe they are past incarnations of herself and Antoine, trying to warn her about the nature of love and loss.

As she delves deeper into this spiritual exploration, Carole starts to understand the interconnected destinies of the three characters across time and space. This revelation forces her to confront her pain rather than suppress it.

Carole senses that Jacqueline and Laurent's story in the past could end tragically if she does not intervene. This realization weighs heavily on her as she grapples with the implications for her own life.

Faced with overwhelming grief and loss, Carole is at a crossroads. She must choose whether to continue bearing the agony of her heartbreak or to let go and seek a new path in life.

The title 'Cafe de Flore' emerges as a thematic link throughout the film, representing love and connection. The music intertwines the stories, blending modern electro sounds with nostalgic big band influences, enhancing the emotional layers of the narrative.

As the film approaches its conclusion, Carole finds the strength to choose healing over despair. This pivotal moment mirrors Jacqueline's own journey, marking a profound connection between the two women across time.