Rémy, a terminally ill history professor, reunites with his estranged son Sébastien in the final days of his life. Set in an overcrowded and under-resourced Canadian hospital, The Barbarian Invasions explores how Sébastien uses his wealth to provide his father dignity and comfort, securing a private room, bypassing waiting lists, and even obtaining heroin for pain relief. Their reconciliation unfolds amid reflections on love, regret, and mortality. The film critiques healthcare inequalities and raises ethical questions about unconventional pain management and euthanasia. Ultimately, Rémy chooses to die on his own terms, surrounded by those he loves.