In this whimsical fable, Resnais deftly interweaves three story lines: the creation of an early-20th-century utopia; romantic high jinks at a school conference; and a fantasy sparked by F/X pioneer Georges Méliès.

An aeronautical engineer in his forties, passionate about his job, nevertheless opts for a well-compensated year of unemployment as a sabbatical. What happens when city space and time are no longer defined by employment? Where are the wonderful projects? Where are the intimate resources?

Two lifelong best friends spend a weekend at a secluded cabin. Through intimate conversations and silent moments, they explore their deep understanding of each other's personalities and desires.