In the small north eastern town of Mauberge in France, Christine is violently assaulted on her way to work early one morning.

In 1996, investigating judge Irene realises that a case she has been assigned has striking similarities with others, and that a thorough investigation is imperative.

In 2003, the mayor of a small town on the Sambre is horrified to learn one of her employees has been raped. She cajoles the victim into attending a press conference.

In 2007, following a series of rapes committed on the other side of the border, a university researcher is tasked with trying to analyse where the rapist might live.

Winter 2012. Etienne Winckler, a detective specialising in cold cases, is handed the old 'Sambre rapist' case to see if it can be closed. As he pours over files at the local police archives he discovers more victims - including Christine.

In 2018, Enzo Salina has finally made a mistake and been captured on CCTV. As his arrest is made known, his friends, family and community react in disbelief.