 Antoine is an accountant, uptight and withdrawn, married to Edith, who picks out his clothes and shoes. He s assigned to a fitness gymnasium for a month to straighten out their books. The owner, M. Roland, encourages Antoine to use the facilities, including the massages, so Antoine goes to Dominique, a muscular African. In these sessions, Antoine discovers that the pain is comforting, and Dominique finds the accountant ideal for his own sadism. When Dominique breaks Antoine s arm and then goes to the hospital to take Antoine away, Antoine confesses his fascination with and fear of death. With Dominique s help, the accountant breaks all earthly ties to confront his fear.