Ferdinand, feeling disconnected from his bourgeois life and the intellectual pretensions of Parisian society, runs into his former lover, Marianne. Desperate to escape their dreary existence, the two embark on a spontaneous journey, abandoning Ferdinand's wife and children. They drive south through France, funding their trip through petty crimes and stealing cars. Along their way, they encounter a variety of quirky and sometimes menacing characters, all while attempting to elude the authorities tracking them down. Their adventures are filled with ruminations on life, art, and literature, interspersed with moments of surreal and darkly comedic situations.

As their journey progresses, the couple’s relationship becomes increasingly strained under the pressure of their lawless escapades. Ferdinand, whose detachment and existential musings begin to wear on Marianne, finds himself more profoundly drawn into her chaotic and often manipulative world. The narrative is punctuated by a series of cinematic techniques that reflect their psychological complexities and fragmented realities. The backdrop of political unrest and the constant threat of violence cast a shadow over their romantic escapade, making it difficult to discern if they are truly rebelling against society or merely escaping their personal disillusionments.