Director Patrice Chéreau (Queen Margot) provides a stark and uncompromising portrait of the ravages of illness as he delicately explores the fine line between love and obligation in sibling relationships. The title refers to either one of the two brothers who are the main focus of the film. With a difficult history between them, they are further challenged to resolve their differences when one develops a terminal illness. Thomas is content to accept his fate and die gracefully but Luc, who has been alienated from his brother in part due to his homosexuality, must come to terms with the challenge of caring for someone whose life is near its end.