As he struggles to adjust to civilian life in Marseilles, a former military man Galoup recalls his past life in the French Foreign Legion, in particular the incidents which led to his humiliating dismissal. Whilst serving in the Gulf of Djibouti in Africa, he was responsible for training a unit of young legionnaires, and all was well until the arrival of a new recruit, Sentain. Through displays of courage and humanity, Sentain quickly wins the respect of his fellow legionnaires, and also praise from his commanding officer, Forestier, whom Galoup idolises. Driven by jealousy, Galoup makes Sentain his enemy and sets out to discredit him.

BEAU TRAVAIL is above all a visual film. The dialogue is scarce, and when something is said, it is not necessarily plot relevant. It is more like an atmospheric backdrop. Denis keeps a subtle distance to the intrigue at hand, letting the camera work carry the drama, rather than the script.