The Peanut Butter Falcon

It’s true that some movies take years, even decades to get off the ground, which is the same fate that came to directors Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz when they found their lead actor Zack Gottsagen in 2011. It was at a camp for disabled actors when they expressed interest in making a film with him and after shooting a proof-of-concept video, they finally received their funding. Along then came the other stars in the likes of Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson, to make one of the best movies of the year.
 
The Peanut Butter Falcon takes us through a modern retelling of Huckleberry Finn, in a quiet, desolate America that in most places, no longer exists. Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a 22-year-old with Down syndrome, living in a retirement home with his roommate Carl (Bruce Dern) and under the care of supervisor Eleanor (Dakota Johnson). Zak however repeatedly tries to run away, dreaming of becoming a wrestler and attending the wrestling school of his hero, the Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). Instantly within the first few minutes, the tone is set for Zak’s journey of discovery. Although he’s looking to become a wrestler, the most important task is looking for a family, and for a place to call home.
 
After achieving a successful escaped attempt, Zak meets the troubled fisherman Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a man dealing with his own grief and modes of making a living. Tyler causes trouble, meaning he needs to leave North Carolina off-road as soon as possible. He may be reluctant at first, but considering Zak’s wrestling school is on the way, Tyler is willing to help. Their bond becomes sacred when Tyler realises Zak is a wanted man like himself, causing them to set rules and a secret handshake. Tyler’s lone ranger archetype is perfect for the Mark Twain story that this sets out to be, and succeeds in doing.
 
An independent comedy centred on a disabled lead can always cause issues if it’s done in poor taste or if its representation is way off. Fortunately the film itself was even honoured with the Seal of Authentic Representation for accurate depictions of people with disabilities. There is humour involved with Zak but you’re never mocking him, his innocent naivety works perfectly with Tyler’s well-informed hard-shelled exterior. There’s a great message in the film about the different ways people treat others with disabilities, and whether guiding them through the shallows or throwing them in the deep end really is the best way to go about this. They’re both done in good faith, but one may end up pandering whilst the other could cause lots of risks.
 
The relationship that LaBeouf and Gottsagen have is undeniable, their chemistry is what makes this film so enjoyable; and when Johnson is thrown into the mix during the mid-point, it’s the definitive cherry on top. LaBeouf delivers his best ever performance and further demonstrates that he is more than the meme inspiration or ex-blockbuster star that most audiences may still associate with him. He’s one of the finest actors working today and this film is further proof to the renaissance his career is now having.
 
As well as this, the film is stunning, perfectly encapsulating the nature secluded lifestyle that most of these characters lead. The mundanity of ‘living with the land’ has never looked so ideal, and although this world can be cruel, you can rely on the kindness of strangers.
 
One of the best ways this film defines itself as a life-changing journey is how important revealing someone’s name can be. Every time someone new is introduced to a character, their name not only reveals who they are but who they could be in the wider sense of Zak’s journey. It's one of the sweetest films I’ve seen in years and I’m sure Mark Twain wishes he had thought of it first.
 
10/10