Sofiane is an Algerian who has enjoyed a relatively easy life growing up abroad as a diplomat's son. Based in France for his studies, he aspires to a promising career as a diplomat also. Everything appears fine on the surface, but under the varnish hides an anxious boy with self-destructive behaviour, who has trouble assuming his multiple identities and knowing who he really is. Suddenly falling victim to an administrative decision, he becomes illegal. In order to legalize his situation quickly, Sofiane finds a job in a Muslim funeral home belonging to one of his father's cousins. Mr Boutlali agrees to take on Sofiane as an intern, with a promise of employment to regularise his situation as fast as possible. But Sofiane has to work with El Haj, an elderly, surly, taciturn and unsympathetic man. The relationship between the two is difficult, but El Haj teaches Sofiane about much more than the job. Becoming ambassadors for the dead turns out to be a life-changing experience...