On a sunny summer day, Pierre, a middle-aged architect, faces an existential crisis while driving through the French countryside. As he progresses, his thoughts lead him to reflect on his life, his loves, and the decisions he has made. The road becomes a stage of memories and emotions, where his experiences with Catherine, his wife, intertwine with unresolved feelings for a young mistress, Elizabeth.
The journey takes an unexpectedly tragic turn when a car accident transforms his trip into one of mourning and reflection. Through a nonlinear narrative, the film explores how shifting moments and small choices can alter the course of life. As memories flow, Pierre recalls the agony of his marriage, the broken promises, and the longing for what could have been.
Les Choses de la vie is not just a drama about love and loss, but also an examination of the passage of time and the fragility of existence. The cinematography by Claude Sautet, along with Philippe Sarde's score, accompanies this emotional journey, highlighting the connection between everyday life and the significant moments that often elude us. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that simple and ordinary things are what truly matter when fate leads us to confront the inevitable.