PORTRAIT of a crumbling marriage based on Joseph Conrad's short story The Return, centred on publisher Jean Hervey (Pascal Greggory) who returns home one evening to discover a farewell note from his wife of 10 years, Gabrielle (Isabelle Huppert), who has abandoned him for another man.

Jean's shock turns to confusion when Gabrielle walks through the door claiming she has changed her mind, hoping to give their marriage another go.