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When a woman who always placed the needs of others before her own develops a fierce independent streak and decides to start taking her writing seriously, the friends and family who were always her top priority have little choice but to watch on in befuddled bemusement. Elaine Weiss (Emmanuelle Devos) is a Paris schoolteacher with a rather selfless reputation; most days, after catering to the needs of her old-fashioned husband, their young daughter, her neurotic widowed mother, and a classroom of kids, she never had so much as a minute to herself. But having neglected her own needs for so long, Elaine finally begins to wonder what life would be like if she could just live by her own rules for a while instead of constantly bending over backwards to make everyone in her life happy. When Elaine buys a laptop, takes up smoking, and begins spending late nights with her handsome young publisher, her husband (Gérard Darmon) is at first tolerant of her quest for independence. But later, when Elaine begins staying out late with her handsome young publisher, things around their once-happy household begin to grow noticeably tense. Meanwhile, Elaine's clingy, Yiddish-speaking mother seems hopelessly clueless about her daughter's artistic aspirations despite the fact that the entire family comes together weekly for their boisterous Shabbat dinners. Perhaps the only one who can truly understand Elaine'e newfound need for self-fulfillment is her later father. Though he may not be there to console her in person, he still offers comfort and guidance during Elaine's regular visits to his graveside.