In the present day, New York journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to work on an article about the Vel'd'Hiv Roundup of Jews by French authorities in 1942. Julia and her French husband, Bertrand, move to an apartment in Paris, where a Jewish family, the Starzynski's, once lived, until they were rounded up.
In 1942, 10 year old Sarah Starzynski and her parents are captured by the French authorities. Prior to their arrival, Sarah had hid her little brother, Michel, in the cupboard and she tells the authorities that he's not at home. Sarah gets taken away to Vel'd'Hiv.
When she meets a woman who plans to escape, Sarah gives the woman the key to the cupboard, telling her to rescue Michel. While working on the story, in the present day, Julia falls pregnant, which causes conflicts between her and Bertrand. While Julia wants to keep the unborn baby, Bertrand is perfectly happy with their eleven year old daughter, Zoe.
Despite juggling personal problems, Julia embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she follows the story of Sarah with growing horror, as she uncovers the shocking climax to Sarah's tragic tale.
Directed by: Gilles Paquet-Brenner
Starring: Kristin Scott Thomas, Niels Arestrup, Michel Duchaussoy, Dominique Frot and Aidan Quinn