The lakeside here is a bit secluded and a small community of gay men have come here to sunbathe in the nude and cruise for sex with each other, without making any emotional commitments. The protagonist is young, handsome, gay Francke. Like many of the others, he is here for sex. As any visitor enters the beach he is ogled by the others, hoping to be chosen for a sexual encounter in the woods.
Francke sees another handsome but slightly older man, Michel. So far Michel hasn't given him any indication of desiring Francke. A bit further down the beach sits the middle-aged and portly Henri, who says he is straight and sits apart from the others. He says he only is here to enjoy the sun. Francke sits with Henri, passing time with conversation until he can make a connection with Michel, and he and Henri start a casual friendship. Henri observes the men, noting the dynamics of these temporary relationships but still considering himself separate from them, at least he says so. One night after the others leave, Francke observes Michel and another man swimming in the lake. At first playful, Michel suddenly drowns his lover, and Francke cowers in the woods hoping not to be seen.
During the next few days, Francke does not give any indication of having seen anything, although he gets close to Michel and makes oblique comments. Henri sees how Francke wants to pursue Michel, and at times warn him to be safe as Francke seems to think he and Michel have a budding "real" relationship. The missing man is not noticed as people here don't ask much about each other. Michel begins to suspect Francke knows something. Things get more tense when an investigator starts hanging around the area, questioning the men about the missing man.
The character in the title can be taken to mean any of these men who visit the beach, and especially any of the three main characters. Perhaps it is a metaphor for all mankind. We come to know Francke but his later risky behavior with Michel--both repelled by Michel's killing yet still pursuing him afterwards--has us question how much we really do know him. Michel always remains distant from Francke even though Francke thinks (or wishes) Michel is exclusive to him. And Henri, why is he here? What straight man would be comfortable hanging out on a beach where gay men cruise for sex, if he wasn't in the closet himself? Henri also makes some comments that suggests all these men (including himself) are seeking to assuage their loneliness, rather than just coming for sex.
This is a good character study although it leaves the motives up in the air. Even until the last shot, Francke is still an enigma, perhaps obsessed, perhaps addicted to Michel. There is graphic real looking sex and male nudity.
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