Léon Morin, Priest

Barny, a young mother in a small town in the French Alps during the Occupation, mourns her killed husband and grows cynical about religion. She and a circle of Jewish and communist friends decide to have their children baptized to shield them from the occupying troops. The idea sets the stage for the moral questions that drive her later choices.

Barny enters a church to make a fake confession and deliberately tests the boundaries of belief. Léon Morin, a young curate, engages her with calm theological discussion rather than offense. He lends her books and they arrange to meet again to talk more.

Barny begins visiting Léon regularly, drawn by his moral steadiness and faith. He guides her through discussions of Bible passages and philosophical ideas, shaping her spiritual journey. The conversations also spark a growing, complex attraction.

For France's protection, Barny sends her daughter to live on a secluded farm away from danger. She keeps visiting Léon, leaning on his counsel as the war tightens its grip. The distance creates a quiet, intimate dynamic between them.

As the Germans push Italians out, Barny and Léon do what they can to help those in need. They shelter and support neighbors at risk, demonstrating their commitment beyond personal feelings. The crisis deepens their resolve and mutual respect.

Sabine's brother is arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Germany, a traumatic event for the town. The shock ages Sabine in the eyes of Barny and their friends, underscoring the brutal costs of occupation. This moment intensifies the atmosphere of fear and solidarity.

Reluctantly, Barny fully returns to the Church, cementing her bond with Léon. She and Christine begin referring friends to Léon, drawing more people into his orbit. Barny also begins to notice Léon's handsomeness and stature, and her feelings become more than admiration.

One night the Germans abandon the town, and France returns to live with Barny. Barny tells Léon she can no longer come to visit him, and he offers to come to her instead, signaling a shift in their routines. The closeness they shared is tempered by circumstances.

During a later visit, Barny asks whether he would marry her if he were a Protestant minister. He does not answer and seems unsettled, creating tension and uncertainty between them. They do not reconcile their romantic feelings immediately.

Léon returns to discuss theology as if nothing had happened, and Barny reaches toward him with emotion. He recoils and tells her that if she wants more conversation she must come to the church to confess and receive penance for trying to lead him astray. The moment cements the idea that their relationship will be limited by vows.

Léon learns he is being transferred to another parish and shares the news with Barny. They catch France eavesdropping during the moment, and Léon gently tucks the girl back to bed before leaving. The moment blends professional duty with tenderness toward Barny and France.

The town prepares for change as the school moves back to Paris and Barny faces leaving with Léon. On the night before his departure, they share a quiet, bittersweet conversation, and he hints they will meet again in another life. Barny leaves the town in tears, stepping out into the street and toward an uncertain future.