La vie en sourdine

Recently retired linguistics professor Desmond grapples with his increasing hearing loss and a sense of ennui. His days are filled with reading, his wife's bustling social life, and concern for his aging, isolated father. An unexpected encounter with an American student leads to a request for help with her thesis, prompting Desmond to consider a new direction. Meanwhile, his father insists on his independence, and his wife continues to plan their unusual leisure activities.