A monastery high in the mountains of the Maghreb, some time in the 90s…

Eight French Cistercian monks live in harmony with the Muslim population. Close to the villagers, they share in their labors and festivities, and take care of their daily medical needs.

When a group of foreign workers are massacred, panic seizes the region. The army tries to insist on armed protection for the monks, but the brothers refuse.

Soon after, they are visited by the fundamentalist group claiming responsibility for the massacre. Christian, the Prior, stands firm against Ali Fayattia, the leader of the armed men, and persuades them to leave. But doubt has taken hold of the monks: some want to go, others insist they must stay. Christian proposes a period of reflection before making their collective decision.

The monks try to continue as before, but the atmosphere grows tenser by the day. When they agree to treat some of the terrorists, the authorities are furious, and put pressure on them to return to France.

Christian calls a new vote. But this time the brothers are united. They will stay, whatever the cost…