The film begins by presenting Laurence Alia, played by Melvil Poupaud, a 35-year-old acclaimed novelist and literature instructor in Montreal, Quebec. Deeply in love with the passionate Frédérique "Fred" Bellair, portrayed by Suzanne Clément, Laurence carries a profound secret that has defined his life. On Fred's birthday, he reveals his truth—one that has haunted him for years: he has always felt that he was born in the wrong body and has been living a lie. When he expresses his desire to transition and embrace life as a woman, Fred struggles to accept this revelation, initially accusing him of being gay, causing their relationship to falter.
Despite their temporary separation, Fred ultimately concludes she must support Laurence, much to the disapproval of her family. Their romance reignites, and Fred becomes an essential ally in Laurence's journey, teaching her makeup techniques and encouraging her to express her true self through feminine attire. One day, Laurence boldly arrives at school dressed in a dress; however, her courage is met with adversity when the school board dismisses her due to community backlash regarding her transition.
As Fred faces her own challenges, including career setbacks and an unplanned pregnancy that she chooses to terminate, she spirals into a state of depression, leading to her decision to leave Laurence and relocate. Fred eventually marries a man named Albert and welcomes a son, Leo, into her life.
Fast forward five years, Laurence has moved on and is in a relationship with Charlotte, yet her heart remains tethered to Fred. She secretly observes Fred from a distance, often parked outside her home in Trois-Rivières. After publishing a poetry book, Laurence sends a copy to Fred, embedding a secret message within the verses. This sparks a reconnection, leading Fred to reach out, and they plan a romantic escape to the Isle of Black. Unfortunately, their much-anticipated getaway descends into conflict when Fred reveals she was pregnant at the time of Laurence's gender revelation, which prompted her to abort.
As Fred reconnects with her life, her husband discovers her secret rendezvous with Laurence, shattering their relationship. Following a heart-wrenching farewell, Laurence departs in the night, leading to years of silence between the two.
In a poignant interview for her biography, Laurence reflects on her past, particularly on Fred. After the interviewer probes about her former love, Laurence confesses that she recently reestablished contact with Fred, who is now divorced, but their meeting ended in discomfort. In a powerful closing scene, viewers witness the fateful circumstances that brought Fred and Laurence together for the first time on a commercial set, setting the stage for their complex love story.
