The Peanut Butter Falcon - Film Review

It's been a looooong time since I featured anything other than books or book related events here on the blog, but I really, really want to tell you about a film I saw last week.

Official theatrical release poster

A few weeks ago I saw a few films as part of an anime festival (my son's choice!) at the Glasgow Film Theatre. Whilst I was there I saw a few trailers for forthcoming attractions, and amongst them was one for an independent  film called The Peanut Butter Falcon, which looked utterly charming. Last Monday I went to see it, back at the GFT, and it was everything I hoped it to be.

The official blurb says this:
'A modern Mark Twain-esque adventure that begins when Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, runs away from the nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of training with his hero and becoming a professional wrestler. In a strange twist of fate, Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) a small-time outlaw on the run, becomes Zak’s unlikely coach and ally. Together they wind through swamps, elude capture, drink whisky, catch fish and even convince Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), Zak’s loving but stubborn caretaker, to join them on their journey.'

A still from the film

Zak is 22, has Downs Syndrome and dreams of being a pro wrestler. Unfortunately, having been abandoned by his family, he's living a dull life in an old people's care home, as there is nowhere more suitable for him in the area. But refusing to give up on his dream Zak comes up with ingenious ways to try to escape from the home and eventually succeeds. In the middle of the night. In his pants. He hides in a nearby moored up boat, and is befriended, reluctantly at first, by the boat's owner, down on his luck fisherman Tyler. Tyler agrees to help Zak find his wrestling hero the Saltcreek Redneck, and his wrestling school where Zak wants to train. But Tyler has his own demons to wrestle, having lost his much loved older brother. He's carrying a lot of hurt and anger and gets himself on the wrong side of some nasty guys, who are willing to chase him down. Also on their trail is Zak's concerned and well meaning carer Eleanor, who is sent to find and bring him back. Tyler becomes Zak's guide and mentor, teaching him what it's like to live without limits. He sees past Zak's disability and encourages him to push himself. In turn, Zak teaches Tyler how to love again.  When Eleanor catches up with them, she is persuaded to join them on their quest, and the three journey on  - aboard a raft - to search for the wrestling school.

Dakota Johnson, Zack Gottsagen and Shia LaBeouf. 

Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

The Peanut Butter Falcon was directed by Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz and was released on 18th October 2019. It stars Shia LaBeouf as Tyler and Dakota Johnson as Eleanor. Jon Bernthal, Thomas Haden Church and Bruce Dern also feature. But the absolute star of this movie is 33 year old Zack Gottsagen who plays central character Zak In his first film role. The film was written as a vehicle for him after the directors were blown away by his talent at a camp for actors with disabilities.

There is a lot more to this film than detailed in my summary above. I don't want to tell you too much of the plot because I want you all to see it for yourself. I don't know how wide a cinema release it had, but there will be a DVD at some point, and I can't urge you enough to see this movie. My words can't describe the magic and beauty of this film. It could have been clichéd and sickly sweet, but it's neither of those things. It's a buddy movie, yes, but it's more than that. It's quirky and  heartwarming. It's Deep South setting and Tyler's back story and current difficulties means the film is never in danger of becoming too mawkish. There is plenty of warmth, pathos and humour throughout though, and I reached for the tissues more than once.

A still from the film

Zach Gottsagen is outstanding. He's natural, confident and very funny. Which is just as well because he spends a good part of the movie in the ugliest y-fronts you've ever seen! This role is perfect for him and It's hard to believe this is his debut movie, although I believe he'd previously acted on stage. His character Zak is just the sweetest man and, from what I've read, in real life Zach seems much the same, and had a wonderful effect on his co-stars, particularly Shia LaBeouf. LaBeouf has been in the headlines a fair bit for all the wrong reasons and he's really not an actor you would associate with a feelgood movie. But he plays Tyler with a rawness and vulnerability that's heart breaking. I've seen him interviewed and he said this film came at just the right time for him, saving him from a very dark place.

Zak and Tyler's relationship in the film is pretty special. Early on, Zak says "Tyler, I want to tell you about me. I am a Downs Syndrome man." To which Tyler replies with something along the lines of "So what? That doesn't make any difference." And that is how he continues to treat Zak - his disability is never an issue. And in a touching moment , Zak, who is excited about his forthcoming birthday, says "Tyler, I'm going to give you all my birthday wishes." It's a lovely moment. And there are too many more to tell you about.

Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen and Dakota Johnson at Global's 10th Anniversary Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show.
Source: Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Anyway, I've rambled on enough! Please see this beautiful movie, however you can. You will be a better person for it. It's a film about friendship, love, hope, redemption, challenging disabilities and the family we choose. And wrestling.

Firally here's the official trailer to give you an idea what I'm talking about.