Greetings again from the darkness. Sometimes acting elevates material to a level far beyond what a film might have otherwise deserved. Such is the case with this based-on-a-true-story effort from co-writers and co-directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. Despite the elements of truth, the core material here is a sentimental tale that seems quite familiar. Francois Cluzet (from the excellent thriller Tell No One) as Philippe and Omar Sy as Driss turn it into an extremely entertaining story with characters we quickly connect with.
Philippe is a wealthy quadriplegic widower who is interviewing candidates for a caregiver. Driss is a recently released from jail street hustler who is just trying to qualify for state benefits by going on the required 
interviews. Philippe is struck by Driss’ direct approach and energy level, and chooses Driss over the room full of more qualified types.
The rest of the movie is really a buddy flick where the polar opposites bring much to the other. Philippe slyly gets Driss to use his sharp mind a bit more effectively, and Driss taps into Philippe’s hidden lust for life. Though the supporting cast is strong, the film’s best scenes are those featuring Philippe and Driss.
This is a film from France and much as been made of the filmmakers’ decision to change the caregiver from the real life Arab to a more cinema-friendly Black man. The Earth, Wind & Fire dance may be a bit too much, but I choose to believe 
the casting of Omar Sy was the deciding factor, not his race. He lights up the screen and draws us right into his world and his choices – some of which are better than others.
The film shares much with The Sea Inside, Scent of a Woman, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, but this one has much more humor and bonding than any of those. It doesn’t shy away from the melodramatic moments and isn’t above trying to generate tears in viewers. There will be a U.S. re-make of this one, but the two lead actors here (especially Mr. Sy) make this one worth seeing.
SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you thought all buddy movies were over-the-top laugh fests or cop flicks OR you appreciate the small scope of French films (that’s a compliment)
SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: a subtitled French film featuring a rich guy in a wheelchair trusting a street thug to drive his Maserati seems a bit far-fetched
watch the trailer:
Posted by David Ferguson 
Movie Reviews from the Dark 