The Science of Sleep

Following the death of his divorced father in Mexico, Stéphane Miroux moves to Paris to live with his mother, Christine. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he seeks to find his place in a city filled with memories.

Stéphane begins working at a calendar printing company that his mother secured for him. He eagerly anticipates a creative role, hoping to showcase his art, but soon realizes he is assigned monotonous typesetting tasks instead.

While on his way to work, Stéphane is invited into the apartment of his neighbor, Stéphanie. Their initial meeting ignites a spark of creativity, as he discovers her artistic spirit, which inspires him to share his ideas.

Stéphane and Stéphanie embark on a creative venture to produce a short animated film. The film is inspired by a boat that Stéphanie is constructing, uniting their artistic visions and deepening their connection.

As surreal elements intertwine with his daily life, Stéphane’s vivid dreams begin to seep into reality. This creates an intriguing confusion, as he struggles to discern what is real, eventually leading him to question his relationship with Stéphanie.

Stéphane's whimsical side comes to life when he invents a mechanism that allows Stéphanie's toy horse, Golden The Pony Boy, to gallop. This act symbolizes his emotional regression and childlike demeanor, which is central to his feelings for her.

To Stéphane's surprise, the calendar company embraces his unique 'disasterology' concept, celebrating it with a party. This moment marks a turning point in his career, validating his creative aspirations.

After the celebration, Stéphane succumbs to his emotions and excess drinking when he sees Stéphanie dancing with another man. The following day, he gets into a confrontation with her, leading to a temporary rift in their relationship.

Stéphane believes Stéphanie is not waiting for him as they attempt to resolve their issues over a date. This panic leads him to rush to her apartment, where he discovers she had been waiting for him the entire time, highlighting his misconception.

As Stéphane prepares to return to Mexico, his mother urges him to say goodbye to Stéphanie. His attempts to express his feelings result in an awkward interaction filled with inappropriate jokes that ultimately push her away.

In the aftermath of their painful goodbye, Stéphane finds solace when he discovers significant items in Stéphanie's bed, including his one-second time machine and the completed animated boat. This realization suggests deeper connections between them.

Despite their tumultuous relationship, Stéphane and Stéphanie share a joyful moment as they rode Golden the Pony Boy across a verdant field. This fleeting happiness symbolizes their bond and the escapism they find in each other.

The film concludes with Stéphane and Stéphanie setting sail into the sea in the boat they had created together. This moment reflects not just a farewell but the promise of adventure and new beginnings, leaving their uncertainties behind.