The Peanut Butter Falcon

By now you’ve probably heard about this little Road movie that could, getting 95% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The reason for this is writers/directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz have crafted something that feels uplifting and timeless with a pinch of unexpected humor sprinkled throughout.

I have to admit, I had little intentions of seeing this movie until it started getting such great buzz; and that’s not because of any misgivings about Shia LaBeouf. I just feel very uncomfortable thinking about people living with afflictions like Down Syndrome. The world has too many sharp edges for people who are so vulnerable to the deep cuts of cruelty. But I have to say, watching Zak navigate through this adventure, eliminated some of my unease.  When he encountered someone who was not nice, he simply uninvited them to his birthday party – genius!

Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a young man with Down Syndrome living in a nursing home for the elderly. The details about his family’s absence and why he’s a ward of the State are hazy, but Zak knows he doesn’t belong there. He spends his days plotting how to escape, so he can go join the school of his wrestling idol, The Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church) someone he reveres from obsessively watching old video tapes of his wrestling matches.

Eleanor (Dakota Johnson) is Zak’s supervisor in the nursing home and friend. She understands his frustration with living in an old folks home, but can’t do anything to change his situation.

Meanwhile we’re also introduced to Tyler (LaBeouf), he’s a troubled young man grieving the loss of his older brother and doing stupid stuff which has gotten him into hot water with some of the local fishing blokes Duncan (John Hawkes) and Ratboy (Yela Wolf).

When Zak makes his final escape, wearing only his underpants, it’s Tyler who’s the first person he meets on his journey.  Tyler reluctantly allows Zak to follow him for a bit making certain rules along the way, Zak’s reinterpretation of Rule # 1 is hilarious! And becomes a running joke.

A good road movie relies on chemistry and this one has it in spades – Tyler teaching Zak how to swim, shoot a gun, wrestle, build a boat – these moments are genuine and heart-warming. I thought when Dakota’s character caught up with them it would ruin the buddy feel of the movie, but instead her chemistry with both boys enriches the story all the more.

It’s obvious LaBeouf has come a long way from his “Transformer” days and has admitted Zack Gottsagen’s presence in his life has calmed his spirit and has changed his approach to the world. He’s also written an introspective, semi-autobiographical film coming out later this year, called Honey Boy in which he plays the role of his own father.

Zack delivers his lines in the movie with amazing timing and genuine acting skills.  But he’s got a ways to go when it comes to answering questions on the Press Junket. I think he simply needs more time to prepare.

Bottom line: I’ll be shocked if The Peanut Butter Falcon is not front and center during Awards season!

Tinsel & Tine @LAMB rating 5 outta 5