The Untouchable

At night, Driss speeds Philippe's Maserati through the Paris streets while police close in. Driss insists they must reach a hospital urgently, prompting Philippe to fake a seizure to fool the officers and secure their escape. They arrive at a hospital and Driss drives away, leaving the scene behind.

The story is framed as a flashback but begins with Philippe and his aide interviewing potential live-in caregivers. Driss visits only to obtain a signature proving his interview was rejected so he can keep receiving benefits. He is surprised to be offered a job on a trial basis instead.

Despite his lack of interest and experience, Driss performs well caring for Philippe, using unconventional methods. He helps Philippe with daily tasks and starts to understand the extent of the disability. The bond forms as Philippe tolerates his blunt honesty.

A friend of Philippe reveals that Driss was imprisoned for six months for robbery. Philippe dismisses the warnings and refuses to judge Driss by his past. He makes it clear he will not fire him as long as he does the job properly.

Philippe explains his disability came from a paragliding incident and that his wife died without bearing children. The revelation helps Driss understand Philippe's limitations and the need for independence. This backstory deepens their connection.

Driss introduces Philippe to modern art, opera, and painting, expanding his horizons beyond privilege. Their dynamic grows as Philippe's tastes widen and Driss uses humor to cope with his limitations. The relationship becomes about companionship as much as care.

To celebrate, a private classical music concert is held in Philippe's living room. Philippe shares his musical education, but Driss initially views the pieces as background noise. When the party turns lively with Boogie Wonderland, the two men bond over music and fun.

Driss uncovers Philippe's epistolary relationship with Eléonore in Dunkirk and pushes him to meet her. They agree on a phone rendezvous and Philippe contemplates sending a photo of himself in a wheelchair. He hesitates and asks Yvonne to send a different picture, showing his reluctance about visibility.

Philippe agrees to a weekend paragliding trip in the Alps and invites Driss to join him by flying in his private Dassault Falcon 900 jet. The trip marks a daring break from Philippe's confinement and a chance for shared adventure. Their bond deepens through risk and trust.

Driss's cousin Adama arrives, caught in gang trouble, pulling Driss away from Philippe's household. Philippe senses Driss's need to support his family and releases him from the job, suggesting he may not want to push a wheelchair forever. Driss returns to help his cousin, leaving Philippe temporarily without care.

With Driss gone, new carers arrive but Philippe is unhappy with them and falls into low morale. He grows a beard and neglects himself, which worries Yvonne enough to call Driss back. The loss of Driss's vitality leaves Philippe feeling abandoned.

Driss drives Philippe in the Maserati back to the seaside, bringing them back to the life they shared. They reach a Cabourg restaurant on the sea front where Eléonore is expected. Driss steps away as Eléonore arrives; Philippe sees Eléonore through the window and smiles.

The film closes with shots of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou on a hillside, echoing the paragliding scene from the film. The caption reveals they remain close friends to this day. The memory of their friendship stands as the film's lasting message.