TLDR;
"The Intouchables" tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, and Driss, a street-smart man from a Senegalese immigrant family. Driss becomes Philippe's caretaker, and their bond transcends social and economic differences. The film explores themes of prejudice, compassion, and the importance of human connection, highlighting how each man enriches the other's life in unexpected ways.
- Driss, hired as caretaker, brings a fresh perspective to Philippe's life.
- Their friendship challenges societal norms and expectations.
- The film celebrates the power of human connection and mutual support.
High-Speed Escapade [0:11]
One night in Paris, Driss is driving Philippe, his quadriplegic employer, through the city. Bored of waiting in traffic, Driss speeds off, dodging cars and ignoring traffic signs. The police pursue them, leading to a bet where Driss wagers he can evade them. When the police catch up, Driss pretends it's a medical emergency, convincing them to escort them to the hospital. Driss celebrates his successful ruse by playing "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire and sharing a smoke with Philippe before driving away from the hospital.
The Interview [1:11]
Months earlier, Philippe and his assistant Magalie are struggling to find a suitable caretaker. Driss barges into the interview process, seeking a signed form to claim unemployment benefits. His blunt and somewhat rude demeanour amuses Philippe, who asks him to return the next day for the signed papers. Back in his humble neighbourhood, Driss's attempts to bathe are interrupted by his siblings. He notices his brother Adama behaving suspiciously. Their mother arrives, and Driss's attempt to gift her a stolen Fabergé egg is met with anger, as she kicks him out for his lies and absence.
A Job Opportunity [2:28]
Driss returns to Philippe's house for his papers and is shown around by the housekeeper, Yvonne. She details Philippe's routine and shows Driss the room he would have. Philippe offers Driss a job as a caretaker, with a one-month trial period. Driss accepts, and Philippe bets he won't last two weeks. Driss learns the intricacies of caring for Philippe, including leg stimulation, wheelchair transfers, showering, and dressing. He initially resists some of the more intimate tasks but eventually accepts them as part of the job.
Adjusting to the Routine [3:24]
Driss quickly adapts to his new routine, learning from his initial mistakes. He organises Philippe's mail, distinguishing between personal letters and general correspondence. He creates a separate file for escort advertisements, defying Philippe's instructions. Driss continues to pursue Magalie romantically and occasionally invites escorts to his room. Yvonne discovers weapons in Driss's bag but doesn't immediately address it. Driss refuses to transport Philippe in the back of a van, opting for a fancy car instead, which excites Philippe despite Yvonne's disapproval.
Museum Visit and Private Letters [4:40]
Philippe and Driss visit a museum, where Philippe plans to buy a piece of modern art that Driss finds worthless. Philippe's relative expresses concern about Driss's violent tendencies and criminal record, but Philippe values Driss's lack of pity and willingness to joke with him. After another failed attempt to flirt with Magalie, Driss has dinner with Yvonne while Philippe dictates a letter. Yvonne reveals that Philippe has been exchanging letters with a woman named Eléonore, a purely epistolary relationship.
Nighttime Troubles and Confessions [5:28]
Driss is awakened by Philippe struggling to breathe. He helps Philippe through the attack, offering comfort and a wet cloth. When Philippe needs air, Driss takes him for a nighttime stroll by the river. Philippe explains his phantom pain and inability to experience sexual pleasure due to his condition, though he finds ear massages pleasurable. Driss shares a joint with Philippe to alleviate the pain. At a restaurant, Philippe shares his personal history, including his wife's miscarriages, terminal illness, and the adoption of Elisa. He recounts the paragliding accident that caused his quadriplegia and admits that his true handicap is living without his wife.
Officially Hired and Family Matters [6:49]
Philippe acknowledges that Driss has passed his one-month trial and is officially hired. He asks Driss to return the stolen Fabergé egg, a gift from his late wife. Driss speaks with his sister Mina, who is upset that he only contacts her about the egg and mentions police inquiries. He visits Adama, who admits to being found with drugs. Driss is present while Philippe dictates a letter to Eléonore, finding the language overly formal. He encourages Philippe to be more direct and is surprised they haven't exchanged photos. Driss calls Eléonore, prompting Philippe to finally speak to her on the phone.
Opera and Photographs [7:52]
Philippe and Eléonore continue to talk on the phone frequently. Driss and Philippe attend the opera, where Driss finds the costumes amusing. Driss convinces Philippe to exchange photos with Eléonore, and they choose a picture of Philippe in his wheelchair. Elisa asks Driss for cigarettes and mocks his painting attempts. Driss complains to Philippe about Elisa's behaviour, and Yvonne agrees that she needs discipline. Philippe is surprised to learn that Driss has been painting.
Growing Friendship and Artistic Pursuits [8:31]
The friendship between Philippe and Driss deepens. Driss takes Philippe to play in the snow and brings him along on his runs. Philippe buys Driss his first suit and disciplines Elisa while Driss listens through the baby monitor. Driss shows his first painting to Magalie, who slaps him when he tries to kiss her. Philippe likes the painting and promises to try to sell it. They enjoy activities together, such as getting a faster car, sharing joints, and hiring escorts.
Philippe's Birthday Party [9:00]
Philippe is unenthusiastic about his birthday party, viewing it as a yearly obligation to meet relatives who are merely checking on his well-being. Driss finds Elisa upset in her room after breaking up with her boyfriend. He agrees to talk to the boy for a price. Philippe sells Driss's painting for eleven thousand euros. Yvonne tells Driss that Magalie is in a rocky relationship with someone named Fred. Driss plays "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire, and encourages everyone to dance, which Philippe enjoys.
The Date and Paragliding [10:05]
Driss reads Eléonore's letter, which includes her picture and a plan to meet in Paris. Yvonne and Driss help Philippe choose an outfit for the date. Driss uses his day off to threaten Bastien into apologising to Elisa. He watches his mother from afar at her workplace. At the restaurant, Philippe waits for Eléonore, who is late. After an hour, he gives up and leaves, unaware that Eléonore is arriving at the same time. Philippe takes Driss on his private plane and gives him the money from the painting sale. They go paragliding in the countryside, which Driss initially fears but ultimately enjoys.
Family Issues and a Difficult Decision [11:07]
Adama is waiting for Driss when they return home and is scolded for the scars on his face. Driss calls Mina to reassure her and puts Philippe to bed. Philippe asks Driss about his family, learning that Adama is technically his cousin, and his parents are his aunt and uncle who brought him from Senegal. His real name is Bakary Bassari, but he was called Idriss, which became Driss. Philippe points out that Adama needs discipline and fires Driss so he can be with his family, as he can't spend his life caring for an old man.
Saying Goodbye [12:01]
Driss packs his bags and prepares to leave. Magalie introduces him to her partner, Frédérique, revealing she is not interested in men. Driss returns the baby monitor to Yvonne, who gives him the escort file. He is disappointed to find the chosen photo of Philippe hidden there. Driss throws away the file but keeps the photo. He asks a driver blocking the entrance to move, even though he no longer works there.
Life Apart [12:47]
Driss and Adama pick up their mother from the station. Philippe has a disastrous dinner with his new, stuffy caretaker and leaves without eating. Driss returns to his old life, hanging out with friends and warning Adama's associates to leave him alone. He gets a job as a driver by using his acquired art knowledge and calling himself "pragmatic." Philippe dislikes his new caretaker and is constantly in a bad mood.
Reunion and a New Beginning [13:22]
Philippe refuses help with his phantom pain, so Yvonne calls Driss. They end up in a high-speed chase with the police, who then escort them to the hospital. Driss drives Philippe to the coast, where the sea helps him calm down. Driss grooms Philippe and takes him to a restaurant, but leaves him there, as someone else will be joining him. He returns the Fabergé egg and leaves Philippe to meet Eléonore, who is delighted to see him and doesn't mind his disability.
Epilogue [14:03]
The real Count Philippe Pozzo di Borgo now lives in Morocco, remarried with two daughters. The real Driss, Abdel Yasmin Sellou, has his own firm and is married with three children. The two men remain close friends to this day.
