The film is set in the 1950s in a large country residence, as a family and its servants are preparing for Christmas, when the master of the house is discovered dead in his bed, with a dagger stuck into his back. The murderer must be one of the eight women in the house at the time, and in the course of the investigations each has a tale to tell and secrets to hide.

Released to widespread critical acclaim, with major praise for the stars, the film was nominated for twelve César Awards including Best Film. At the 2002 European Film Awards, the film was nominated for six awards including Best Film and Best Director; it won for Best Actress for the eight main actresses.