Omar, an unstable and lonely teenager, lives in a slum in the suburbs of Mostaganem. He is addicted to a famous psychotropic, nicknamed « Madame Courage » : Artane tablets, very popular among young Algerians, for their euphoric effect of invincibility. Omar is a specialist in snatching. That morning, he goes downtown to commit his usual crimes. His first prey is a young girl called Selma, walking with her girl friends, prominently wearing a gold necklace. As he commits his larceny, their eyes meet.