The Intouchables Review: A Crowd-Pleasing Odd-Couple Story
8/10 — The Intouchables (2011)
Pros
- Sy and Cluzet's chemistry
- Uplifting and funny
- Based on a real story
Cons
- Formulaic
- Simplistic take on race and class
Wealthy quadriplegic Philippe hires Driss, a young man from the Paris housing projects, as his carer, and the two form a bond that changes both their lives. It’s based on a true story and was a huge hit in France.
What works
Omar Sy and François Cluzet are charming together, and the film uses humour to explore dignity and class. The music scenes and the paragliding sequence are joyful, and it’s reliably uplifting.
Where it falters
The story relies on a familiar formula, and critics have found its handling of race and class simplistic.
Verdict
Warm and highly watchable, even if it plays it safe.
