In 1942 Quebec, Alice Lemoine adores her mother, Mathilde, despite her penchant for drawing attention to herself. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Mathilde reigns over social events. Alice, also attractive, prefers to be recognized for her piety and family honor. When Mathilde's health rapidly declines, Alice is heartbroken, blaming her distant father. On her deathbed, Mathilde reveals a shocking secret, leading Alice to uncover hidden photos and letters. As she investigates their past, Alice's world crumbles, as the high society's obsession with appearances is exposed.