The Witnesses

In the vibrant summer of 1984, we meet Sarah, a successful children's author living in Paris. However, she struggles with writer's block and the challenges of motherhood after the birth of her first child.

Sarah's husband, Mehdi, a police inspector, becomes worried about her maternal instincts. He notices that she often tunes out their baby's cries while using earplugs to focus on her writing.

Despite the couple's agreement over an open marriage, tensions rise as Mehdi grapples with the responsibilities of parenting. He sometimes relies on his own parents for support as Sarah immerses herself in her work.

Sarah's close friend, Adrien, forms an unexpected friendship with Manu, a carefree young man from southern France. Although not sexually attracted to Adrien, Manu becomes both a companion and a student to Adrien.

Manu lives in a rundown hotel that serves as a hub for prostitution alongside his sister Julie, who aims to be an opera singer. Their environment catches the attention of Mehdi, who investigates vice activities as part of his police work.

The group gathers at Sarah’s mother's summerhouse in the Calanques of Marseille. During a swimming outing, Mehdi heroically rescues Manu from drowning, sparking a secret romance between them.

Mehdi and Manu's affair progresses as they meet at a camping site near Paris, where Manu works as a cook. Their no-strings-attached relationship deepens amidst the backdrop of summer.

Manu confesses his affair with Mehdi to Adrien, who reacts violently, straining their friendship. This confession serves as a catalyst for the series of dramatic events that follow.

Troubling spots appear on Manu's skin, leading to a devastating AIDS diagnosis. As the chilling reality of the disease sets in, Adrien becomes an advocate for AIDS awareness.

While struggling with his fears of contamination, Mehdi temporarily retreats to his parents' home with their baby. He grapples with guilt and uncertainty regarding his relationship with Manu.

Haunted by his diagnosis, Manu reveals to Mehdi his intention to end his life. In a desperate moment, Mehdi removes Manu's gun and discards it in the Seine.

Mehdi and Sarah discover they are not infected with the virus, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation in their marriage. However, the tragedy of Manu's declining health looms over them.

With Manu's condition worsening, he ultimately chooses to take his own life with Adrien's assistance. The tragedy leaves a profound impact on those he leaves behind.

In the aftermath of Manu's death, he leaves behind tapes chronicling his life. Inspired by this, Sarah finally breaks her writer's block and begins creating a novel based on her experiences.

The following summer, the relationship dynamic among Sarah, Mehdi, and Adrien evolves as they celebrate their child's birthday at the summerhouse along the Riviera. The gathering is a poignant reminder of both joy and loss.