Simple Passion

Hélène, a literature professor, meets Alexandre, a married Russian diplomat, at a party in Porto. This chance encounter ignites a fervent and passionate affair between them, setting the stage for tumultuous emotions ahead.

Following their initial encounter, Hélène and Alexandre begin meeting secretly at her home. Their afternoons together are filled with passion, though Alexandre often remains emotionally distant, meeting her only when convenient.

Anita, Hélène’s loyal friend, observes the intense yet precarious nature of Hélène's relationship with Alexandre. She cautions Hélène about the likelihood of heartbreak, suggesting that she may be more in love with the idea of love than with Alexandre himself.

As Alexandre announces he will be away with his wife, Hélène decides on a whim to take her son Paul on an unplanned trip to Florence. This journey becomes a moment of reflection and despair for Hélène as she grapples with her feelings for Alexandre.

In Florence, Hélène finds herself alone in a church, overwhelmed with emotion. She sheds tears and seeks comfort from a passerby, highlighting her inner turmoil and longing for connection.

Upon returning to Paris, Hélène receives a call from Alexandre, leading to a brief yet intense reunion. However, the meeting quickly escalates into a disagreement when Alexandre criticizes Hélène for her choice of clothing.

During one of their encounters, Alexandre opens up about his life back in Russia, sharing details of his upbringing. His admission that he lives on Tverskaya Street provides Hélène with glimpses of his world, deepening her infatuation.

As Hélène's feelings for Alexandre grow stronger, she begins to plead for him to remain in her life. His insistence on maintaining distance frustrates her, intensifying the emotional conflict within their relationship.

In a moment of desperation, Hélène contacts the embassy in hopes of meeting Alexandre in a hotel room. When he fails to show, the news of his return to Moscow shatters her, pushing her into a deep depression.

Hélène's ex-husband visits, reminding her of her responsibilities as a mother and forcing her to confront the neglect of her son, Paul, and her work. This encounter starkly contrasts her emotional state and prompts a reassessment of her choices.

During a session with her psychiatrist, Hélène confesses that she impulsively flew to Moscow for a day, hoping to unexpectedly meet Alexandre. This decision underscores her spiraling obsession and longing for him.

Eight months later, Hélène appears to be reclaiming her life, enjoying quality time watching Paul play football. This sense of normalcy is abruptly interrupted by an unexpected phone call from Alexandre.

After an unexpected visit from Alexandre, Hélène eagerly prepares to spend the night together, sending Paul away to a friend’s house. Yet, as they reunite intimately, underlying fears about the future of their relationship linger.

After sharing an intimate evening, Hélène drives Alexandre back to his hotel, filled with mixed emotions. As he leaves her with a tender farewell, referring to her as 'my love,' Hélène is left with uncertainty about their future.