This French Comedy Delivered an Endearing, Heartfelt Story That Hits All the Right Notes

Every once in a while, opposites don’t just attract, they take things up a notch and transform each other. That’s the magic the French dramedy, The Intouchables brings to the screen. The film itself is centered on Philippe, a wealthy with quadriplegia, and Driss, a street-smart ex-con who ends up being his caregiver. It’s an unlikely pairing, but what starts out as a clash of worlds quickly becomes one of the most authentic and heartwarming friendships. While it is a feel-good movie in every sense of the word, The Intouchables doesn’t waste time trying to sugarcoat the cares of this world. In fact, it delivers its message of acceptance using wit and raw moments that are as refreshing as they are realistic. Through and through, Omar Sy’s enthusiastic performance as Driss is the perfect counterpoise to François Cluzet’s more reserved portrayal of Philippe. As a pair, they transport the viewers to a world that’s both uplifting and funny.

Beyond its touching premise, The Intouchables stands out for its intricate exploration of human connection. It takes a whole lot of restraint to tackle themes like privilege and vulnerability without sounding preachy or straight-up patronizing. However, The Intouchables manages this while teaching viewers that it is the most unlikely partnerships that educate us the most about life. At the end of the day, this French film is a stark reminder that laughter and honesty go a long way to bridge the widest gaps between people.

The Unlikely Friendship in ‘The Intouchables’ Drives Its Emotional Core

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It’s not every day you see a friendship between a wealthy man and an unemployed ex-con take center stage in a movie. Yet, in The Intouchables, the dynamic between Phillipe and Driss is the reason the film resonates so deeply. It’s the raw honesty of their bond that really sells the message the film attempts to send across. In most orthodox cases, Driss would treat Phillipe with kid gloves because of his station in life, but that isn’t the case. Instead, he brings humor and irreverence into Phillipe’s life, and in the process, he reminds him that he’s so much more than his disability. There’s a moment from the film where Driss mocks Phillipe’s modern art collection, saying it looks like something a kid could do. It’s a lighthearted jab nevertheless, but it’s equally a reminder that Phillipe is after authenticity rather than politeness.

But Phillipe isn’t the only person who benefits from their unlikely friendship. He equally challenges Driss to think and act beyond his rough exterior. He opens his mind to a world of classical music and even enables him to grow into a responsible caregiver. Make no mistake, their relationship isn’t about fixing the other person, rather, they’re open to learning from each other. As the narrative progresses, their bond transcends the usual caregiver-care recipient level to become something more genuine and impactful. Driss doesn’t only help Phillipe renew his zest for life, but Phillipe also pushes Driss to embrace his potential. Through it all, their connection feels earned through shared experiences.

Alain Delon as Jef Costello walking down the street in Le Samourai

Everyone From The Mandalorian to John Wick Owe a Debut the Roles and Life of This French Legend

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As mentioned earlier, The Intouchables is a feel-good movie through and through; however, that doesn’t mean that it shies away from addressing the deep divides between Phillipe and Driss. On one hand, there’s a wealthy man in a wheelchair, and on the other, a young man from a struggling immigrant family. It’s the way the film transforms these divides into a platform for growth and connection that really stands out. Take the scene that captures Driss’s introduction to Phillipe’s lavish world. He’s glaringly out of place even though he puts his walls up by commenting on extravagant artwork and questioning Phillipe’s luxurious albeit stagnant lifestyle. On the other end of things, Phillipe finds Driss refreshing because of his unfiltered honesty — an attribute that some caregivers tend to rein in. All in all, theirs isn’t your run-of-the-mill “opposites attract” tale seeing as the gap between their worlds isn’t caricatured, it’s simply highlighted.

A standout moment presents itself when Driss encourages Phillipe to try his hand at paragliding again, even though Phillipe is naturally hesitant. It’s a powerful scene that shows how Driss’s carefree perspective pushes Phillipe to overcome the limitations society and his condition have imposed on him. Likewise, Phillipe introduces Driss to art, culture, and even more, the value of responsibility, which he learns to appreciate over time. By honing in on their differences as well as their mutual growth, The Intouchables invites viewers to empathize, instead of pitying them — not an easy feat to achieve, but the movie made it look almost effortless.