During the German occupation in World War II, a small theater company in Paris decides to continue its performances despite the difficult situation. The story revolves around Marion, a renowned actress who runs the theater, and her husband, Louis, a Jew who has been hiding to avoid capture. As the war progresses and repression increases, Marion makes the risky decision to keep the theater operational to provide a respite for Parisians and to keep culture alive in dark times.
With a varied cast of characters, from the egocentric actor to the young aspiring actress, the atmosphere of camaraderie is contrasted with the constant tension from the outside. The stage lights shine brightly, hiding a world full of danger. As the plot unfolds, fear and uncertainty grow when Marion learns that her husband is being hunted by the Gestapo. She is forced to blur the lines between fiction and reality, improvising both in her performance and in her personal life.
The film presents a profound analysis of sacrifice, bravery, and the power of art in times of crisis. The performances are moving, and the backdrop of the German occupation adds a layer of emotion that transcends the personal stories of the characters. Love, betrayal, and resistance intertwine in a narrative that reveals what it means to be human in the most adverse circumstances.