The Peanut Butter Falcon – Film Review

The Peanut Butter Falcon is an incredibly wholesome and uplifting film that celebrates friendship and perseverance, all wrapped up in an adventurous and heartfelt story. Directed and co-written by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, this film introduces us to a young man with Down syndrome named Zak (played by Zack Gottsagen) who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. He runs away from the nursing home where he has been placed and ends up befriending a drifter named Tyler (Shia LaBeouf). Together, the two embark on a journey that will change both of their lives.

The first thing that strikes you about The Peanut Butter Falcon is its authenticity. The filmmakers cast Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, in the lead role, and the result is a film that feels grounded in reality. The portrayal of Zak never feels like a caricature or a stereotype; instead, we see a fully-realized character with his own unique quirks, desires, and struggles. This level of authenticity extends to the other characters in the film as well. Shia LaBeouf brings a quiet intensity to Tyler, a man with a troubled past who is seeking redemption. Dakota Johnson, who plays Eleanor, a caregiver who is tasked with bringing Zak back to the nursing home, manages to infuse her character with warmth and compassion even as she struggles with the ethical dilemmas of her job.

The Peanut Butter Falcon is a movie that wears its heart on its sleeve. The filmmakers clearly have a lot of love for their characters, and it shows in the way that they approach the story. There are moments of real emotional depth in this film, particularly in the scenes where Zak grapples with his own limitations and the way that others see him. These moments are handled with sensitivity and care, and they never feel exploitative or manipulative.

One of the most refreshing things about The Peanut Butter Falcon is its sense of humor. The film is genuinely funny in a way that never undercuts the drama or the emotional weight of the story. A lot of the humor comes from the odd couple dynamic between Zak and Tyler. Zak is a trusting and naive person who is easily impressed, while Tyler is a rough-around-the-edges outlaw who is skeptical of anyone who crosses his path. Watching the two of them navigate their way through the wilderness and the various obstacles that they encounter is a joy to watch.

At times, The Peanut Butter Falcon feels a bit disjointed. The pacing can be uneven, and there are moments when it feels like the film is trying to cram too many plot points into its 93-minute runtime. However, these flaws are largely forgivable, given the strengths of the film’s characterizations and themes.

Perhaps the most significant achievement of The Peanut Butter Falcon is the way that it celebrates the idea of living a life that is authentic and true to oneself. Zak is a person who has been told his entire life that he is not capable of doing certain things. However, he refuses to accept these limitations, and he sets out on a journey to prove to himself and to others that he is capable of achieving his dreams. This is a message that is inspiring and uplifting. It’s also a welcome one in a time when many people feel stuck in their own lives.

The Peanut Butter Falcon is an incredibly wholesome and uplifting film that is well worth watching. It’s a heartfelt, authentic, and often hilarious film. It wonderfully celebrates the bonds of friendship and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. It’s not a perfect film, but its flaws are minor compared to its many strengths. Most importantly, it’s a film that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling inside.