The Intouchables

As the City of Light falls under the cloak of night, Driss (Omar Sy), behind the wheel of Philippe’s (François Cluzet) luxurious Maserati Quattroporte, races through the winding streets of Paris. The police chase them, closing in, but Driss devises a clever ruse: he persuades the officers that his quadriplegic friend Philippe must urgently reach the hospital. With both his quick thinking and Philippe’s convincing portrayal of a seizure, they easily deceive the authorities, leading them to safety.

Once they arrive at the hospital, Driss makes his escape, and the story shifts into a captivating flashback that elaborates on the remarkable bond between Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic residing in an opulent hôtel particulier, and his devoted assistant Magalie. As the layers of the narrative unfold, we witness Philippe conducting interviews for a new live-in caregiver. Enter Driss, who is uninterested in the position; he only seeks a document proving his interview failure, ensuring his access to benefits. To everyone’s surprise, the following morning, Yvonne informs Driss that he is hired on a trial basis, despite his complete lack of enthusiasm and experience.

Contrary to expectations, Driss quickly adapts, demonstrating an innate ability to care for Philippe with unconventional yet effective methods. As days turn into weeks, we uncover the full extent of Philippe’s disability, a consequence of a devastating paragliding accident, which also left him mourning the loss of his wife and childless. At the same time, Driss finds himself immersed in Philippe’s world, learning to navigate not just physical challenges but also the complexities of Philippe’s relationship with his adopted daughter Elisa.

In an unexpected twist, Driss gains a newfound appreciation for culture, diving into modern art, opera, and painting. On Philippe’s birthday, they host a small classical music concert in their lavish living room, where Philippe educates Driss about legendary compositions. Yet, hilariously, Driss only recognizes the classics as themes from his favorite cartoons and commercials, much to Philippe’s amusement. Seeking to enliven the atmosphere, Driss spins records from Earth, Wind & Fire, transforming the gathering into a lively celebration that gets everyone on their feet and dancing joyfully.

As Philippe begins to develop feelings for Eléonore from Dunkirk, Driss encourages him to take a step forward and meet her. However, Philippe’s crippling anxiety about her potential reaction to his disability keeps him hesitant. Driss persists, motivating Philippe to connect over the phone. When the moment arrives to share a photo, Philippe grapples with fear and has Yvonne send a picture of his pre-accident self. Despite setting a date, Philippe ultimately backs out, fleeing with Yvonne, leaving Eléonore waiting in disappointment.

Meanwhile, Driss faces an unexpected visit from his cousin Adam, who is now tangled up with a gang. Sensing the urgency of family needs, Philippe releases Driss from his caregiving duties, understanding that Driss might wish to live a life unfettered by a wheelchair. Following his departure, Driss reunites with friends to assist his cousin and confront the challenges ahead.

Without Driss, Philippe finds himself lost, struggling to adjust to new caregivers whose methods fail to meet his expectations. His emotional distress is reflected in his physical appearance; he grows unkempt, neglecting his self-care. Concerned, Yvonne reaches out to Driss once more, urging him to return.

Upon Driss’s return, he takes Philippe for a spirited drive in the Maserati, echoing the film’s initial police chase. After successfully eluding their pursuers once again, they venture to the seaside, where Philippe prepares for lunch with Eléonore. Just as everything appears to be settling into place, Driss unexpectedly leaves, placing Philippe in the awkward position of facing his date alone. Fate intervenes when Eléonore arrives, and Philippe is visibly moved by their encounter, while outside, Driss watches with a proud smile from a distance.

The film culminates in a heartfelt scene featuring Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou, the real-life inspirations for this touching story, standing together atop a hillside, reminiscing about their incredible past as paragliding buddies. The final caption beautifully underscores their enduring friendship, revealing that they remain close to this day.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:46