Bored with her marriage to Camille, Thérèse experiences an awakening when her husband's attractive childhood friend, Laurent, visits the Raquin household. The two begin a whirlwind affair, but they soon realize they will have to hatch a sinister plan to legitimize their relationship.

Thérèse and Laurent maintain appearances of innocence among their acquaintances and remain celibate as they strategize a way to wed. Madame Raquin is disturbed by Thérèse's feigned melancholy over Camille's death and comes to believe that Thérèse should marry again.

The newlyweds' marriage grows increasingly volatile as they try to cope with their transgressions. Visions of Camille haunt them and interfere with Laurent's painting. Although Madame Raquin's body has grown feeble with paralysis, she is still cognizant enough to overhear a disturbing argument between the couple.