The Specials
A kinetic social drama pulsing with frantic compassion, where the jagged edges of severe autism meet the boundless patience of two men building a sanctuary from the system's discarded fragments.
The Specials
The Specials

Hors Normes

23 October 2019 Belgium 114 min ⭐ 7.8 (964)
Director: Éric Toledano Olivier Nakache
Cast: Vincent Cassel, Reda Kateb, Hélène Vincent, Bryan Mialoundama, Alban Ivanov
Drama Comedy
Systemic Failure vs. Individual Action Cross-Cultural and Inter-Religious Solidarity Social Inclusion and Mentorship The Ethics of Care

The Specials - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Bruno Haroche

Vincent Cassel

Archetype: The Devoted Servant
Key Trait: Relentless altruism

Motivation

To ensure that no child is left on the street or locked in a psychiatric ward, regardless of the legality of his methods.

Character Arc

Bruno begins and ends the film as a man entirely consumed by his mission. His arc is less about personal change and more about the external recognition of his worth as he faces the threat of being shut down. His only personal struggle is a comedic, failed attempt at dating through shidduchs.

Malik

Reda Kateb

Archetype: The Mentor
Key Trait: Sturdy pragmatism

Motivation

To provide a future for the underprivileged youth of Paris while supporting Bruno’s mission.

Character Arc

Malik balances the emotional chaos of the care center with discipline. He focuses on the development of the young caregivers, teaching them that punctuality and respect are the first steps toward social integration.

Joseph

Benjamin Lesieur

Archetype: The Innocent
Key Trait: Literal-mindedness

Motivation

To navigate a world that is sensory-overwhelming while seeking connection with his mother and Bruno.

Character Arc

Joseph’s path involves a delicate attempt at professional integration. His breakthrough comes during the final dance performance, where he finds a way to express himself within a structured social setting.

Dylan

Bryan Mialoundama

Archetype: The Growing Youth
Key Trait: Developing empathy

Motivation

To escape a cycle of unemployment and trouble by succeeding in Malik's training program.

Character Arc

A tough teen from the projects who initially lacks discipline but gradually develops a deep, protective bond with Valentin, learning empathy through the burden of care.

Cast

Vincent Cassel as Bruno Haroche
Reda Kateb as Malik
Hélène Vincent as Hélène, Joseph's Mother
Bryan Mialoundama as Dylan
Alban Ivanov as Menahem
Benjamin Lesieur as Joseph
Marco Locatelli as Valentin
Catherine Mouchet as Doctor Ronssin
Frédéric Pierrot as IGAS Inspector
Suliane Brahim as IGAS Inspector
Lyna Khoudri as Ludivine, The Speech Therapist
Aloïse Sauvage as Shirelle
Djibril Yoni as Fabrice
Ahmed Abdel Laoui as Mounir
Darren Muselet as Cédric