À Tout de Suite unfolds with a poignant voice-over from Lili, portrayed by Isild Le Besco, who sets the scene in 1975, just before the arrival of spring, as she reflects on her life at the tender age of 19. The film opens with an intimate glimpse of two young girls waking up in bed, with Lili quickly hiding her friend from her sister's prying eyes, who is curious about her schooling. Lili fabricates a story, claiming that she plans to attend class despite missing the first hour. After their art class, the girls find themselves in a café where a misunderstanding occurs with a young man, prompting them to leave for a pub. Here, a mysterious man approaches and flirts with them, introducing himself as Gérard while ordering them champagne and ham sandwiches. The evening takes an intriguing turn when his enigmatic Arabic friend arrives, adding an air of mystery to the encounter.
Lili’s artistic talent shines through as she draws a portrait of the dark Arab man, rather than completing her assigned silhouette during class. The narrative takes a romantic twist as Lili sneaks dinner for her friend and they venture out to meet Gérard and Bada, played by Ouassini Embarek. The atmosphere becomes electric as Lili dances with both men, leading to a night of companionship that culminates in a surprising morning where she chooses to skip class to stay with Bada, who later gifts her a beautiful bracelet.
However, the tale darkens when Lili receives shocking news from Bada, who informs her about his involvement in a botched bank robbery. The urgency escalates as Lili rushes to the scene, where chaos ensues with hostages at stake. In a haze of anxiety, she listens to the news that the robbers have released their captives unscathed but have now become wanted criminals. Bada and his accomplice Alain, played by Nicolas Duvauchelle, enter Lili's life in a whirlwind of danger, propelling her deeper into a world of crime.
As the story progresses, Lili discovers bundles of cash hidden in their belongings, revealing the extent of Bada's illicit activities. A sense of camaraderie quickly builds between them as they embark on flights across Europe, yet the shadows of their actions loom larger. They land in Morocco, where their criminal adventures take a turn for the worse as they face obstacles in exchanging their tainted money, resulting in heightened tensions among the group.
Their journey is marred by violent confrontations and turbulent emotions, showcasing Bada and Alain's struggles. At a particularly fraught moment, Lili suggests parting ways, but Bada's emotional attachment complicates their plans. Tragedy strikes when Lili finds herself separated after a customs incident in Greece, leading her into the arms of a mysterious Lebanese man, Georges, who attempts to provide shelter and aid in her desperation.
Throughout her tumultuous experience, Lili confronts numerous challenges—managing relationships, contemplating escape, and grappling with profound existential questions. After a series of chaotic events, including a desperate call to her family and her eventual return to France, she faces a grim reality as Bada is sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Lili's own legal troubles culminate in a suspended sentence, resulting in a poignant internal struggle filled with depression and a desire for redemption.
As time passes, Lili strives to make sense of her life, eventually connecting with Bada's family, only to face another harsh reminder of her fleeting connections. The narrative concludes with heartbreak as Lili learns the devastating news of Bada's death, prompting a raw emotional response that channels her pain into a transformative journey, leading her to seek solace on a distant island.
In essence, À Tout de Suite is an evocative exploration of youthful desire, love, and the consequences of choices made in the throes of passion and rebellion, all set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era.
