Nicolas, about age 20, comes from a wealthy family. His mother is a remarkable businesswoman, while his father, an alcoholic, does absolutely nothing. Nicolas spends as much time as he can in the local town, distancing himself from both his family and his privileged background. He works as a window-cleaner and dishwasher. During his off-hours, he pals around with his friends, who are hoodlums and homeless people. There are some lovely girls around, but they never respond to his advances. Life is tough, though not without charm. One fateful night, Nicolas and his friends embark on a somewhat risky venture. He and his mate Pierre end up in prison while the others escape. Upon his release, his loving mother offers him a consolation prize: a magnificent car. He heads straight back to the neighborhood, but finds that it has been altered beyond recognition, Upon returning home, Nicholas discovers that father has just disappeared, leaving nothing but a train-set and a well-stocked cellar.