In rural France, an undernourished and unloved young boy attempts suicide. Based on the classic by Jules Renard.
A red-haired boy is his mother's punching bag ; only his father's presence is a great comfort to him,but this weak man is under the shrew's thumb. His pain is so great he feels suicidal.
The suffering and rebellion of 12-year-old François Lepic, nicknamed "Carrot top" by his mother, who hates him. Occupied with the council elections, his father appears unaware that the young boy is increasingly tempted by suicide.