Frédérique is a rich and glamourous woman who, on a whim picks up Why, a young and impoverished Parisian girl who makes a living as a pavement artist drawing pictures of does. She promptly seduces Why and whisks her away to a new life of luxuriant bohemia in Saint-Tropez. At first a little hesitant, Why then quickly assumes the role of Frédérique's protegée and lover, despite being really little more than an object for the older woman's frivolous amusement.
It is December and Saint-Tropez is empty. When the young architect, Paul Thomas, comes to a party at Frédérique's lavish villa he has eyes only for Why. She in turn is enticed by his attention and the two wander out for a walk, eventually spending the night together at Paul's house. Frédérique however, has dispatched Robèque and Riais, an eccentric gay couple staying at her home, to follow the pair and report back to her. When Frédérique learns of the events of their night together, she appears amused by the development but is already plotting a counter-attack in the callous game she plays.
Frédérique goes to meet Paul where he is working and confronts him about Why. He is dismissive of the affair, attempting to demonstrate that he has no wish to take Why from her. Frédérique however, seduces Paul and when they return to her house it is clear to Why what Frédérique has done, and that the game has moved on. Knowing that her very existence in Frédérique's world now hangs by a thread, Why has to accept her new status as she quietly awaits the chance to regain Paul's affection. As a rather awkward and volatile ménage-à-trois results, Frédérique, malicious and all-conquering, ensures that Why's hopes of sharing Paul as a lover are dashed at every opportunity.
As Why spends more time alone, she begins to adopt the persona of Frédérique, dressing in her clothes and jewellery, using make-up to take on her appearance, and by impersonating her voice. But when Paul encounters Why, dressed and made up to look, extremely convincingly, like a younger version of Frédérique, Paul is shocked and fails to respond in the intended way.
Frédérique and Paul then leave for Paris and although she is told she can stay at the villa alone, Why knows that her relationship with both of them has come to an end. There is only one course of action left to her, and the voices in her head tell her exactly what she must do.
A tense, suspenseful and hypnotic character study exploring a theme of jealousy and obsession.
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