LA SARRASINE is set in 1904 Montreal and is inspired by a true story. Giuseppe and his wife Ninetta are Italian immigrants who run a hostel for recent Italian immigrants. Giuseppe is also a respected tailor and his closest friend is a French-Canadian, Alphonse Lamoureux. Giuseppe has made him a suit for his wedding and as a gift, he sends one of his boarders, Pasquale, to play music from a music box at the door of the church. However, in his excitement, Pasquale plays it before the end of the ceremony, causing the outrage of Théo, the groom's son in law, who with his friends decide to take revenge by stealing and breaking the music box. Giuseppe unsuccessfully attempts to calm them down and the incident ends with Giuseppe accidentally shooting Théo dead. The lives of Giuseppe and Ninetta turn into a nightmare.