In pre-World War II Paris, a stateless and disillusioned doctor named Ravic, who fled Nazi persecution, struggles to live a secretive and precarious life while aiding fellow refugees. By sheer chance, he saves Joan, a distraught and destitute singer, who had been contemplating suicide. As they begin an uncertain romance, Ravic is haunted by the memory of the Gestapo officer Haake, who once tortured him and sparsely appears in his thoughts, driving his desire for revenge.

As their relationship unfolds amid the growing unrest in Paris, Ravic and Joan navigate the complexities of love, trust, and survival. Joan's past heartbreak and cynicism clash with Ravic's determined yet vulnerable demeanor, complicating their bond. Meanwhile, Ravic's primary focus remains on evading authorities and preparing for the opportunity to confront Haake. The imminent war and the emotional entanglements create an atmosphere of tension and urgency, pressing the characters into decisive and irreversible actions.