Dominique, a formidable and possessive father, manages a large pet store, the Paradis des Bêtes, with his sister. A violent man, he one day goes too far in his relationship with his wife Cathy, and then flees with their children Clarisse and Ferdinand. He takes refuge with them in a fancy hotel in chic ski resort on the other side of the border. Here he tries to construct a world of illusion, so as to win back his daughter and son, who, as it so happens, love him unconditionally in spite of everything.