In an extensive adaptation of The books of the small souls (1901-1903), we focus on a family that has seen better times. Various generations struggle to live together under one roof. Their large house is a haunted house, a madhouse and an infirmary all at once. All members of the family suffer in some way from trauma, disability and neurosis. They are ‘small souls’ bearing the burden of the choices they made long ago and which they are unable or unwilling to change.

They all cling to Addy, a young doctor. He is married to Mathilde: a healthy woman who is in all senses the opposite of her in-laws.  An outsider, who is tolerated reluctantly. The fact that Addy is more concerned about his family than about her puts their relationship under pressure. In this, they reflect the fate of Addy’s parents, who too are stuck in an unhappy marriage.

The situation seems hopeless. But hesitant attempts are made to escape the crisis. Will they succeed in openly discussing their disillusionments, desires and expectations? Will they gain a new vision on life?