Actors and actresses with Down syndrome are starting to get more representation within the industry with performerslike Kiki May in Ted Lasso, Edward Barbanell, Jamie Brewer, and Zack Gottsagen, who gives an incredible performance as Zak. After the film ended I had a great time, but I felt it was a bit overhyped. "[21], David Ehrlich of IndieWire called it "a warm (if somewhat overcooked) dramedy" while David Fear of Rolling Stone felt that the climax veered close to magical realism. Zak: Maybe we could be friends, and buddies, and bro dawgs, and hang, and chill. But he already lives in a North Carolina nursing home alongside his roommate, Carl (Bruce Dern). Hes close with one of his carers, Eleanor, who discourages Zaks obsession with wrestling. Formerly the TV editor at WhatCulture, he has a particular love of Star Wars (The Last Jedi was great), Game of Thrones (season 8 was good), and Harry Potter (J.K. Rowlingnever mind) - y'know, all that really niche, nerdy stuff. Poor fishermen, thats all. Tylers trauma is presented as darkly and inescapably as should be expected. Slurs are hurled at Zak at several turns by strangers, and the film doesnt shy away from illustrating the pain of discrimination. From abortion workers to women who choose abortion, 'Unplanned' shows empathy for the many sides of a complex issue. There's room for Lizzy Bennettand Anne Elliot. Filmmakers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz met Gottsagen by chance at Zeno Mountain Farm, a camp for people both with and without disabilities. Most drama/inspirational films are usually based on events that happened in real life but is The Peanut Butter Falconbased on a true story? . In a world where we are often terribly critical of ourselves and may be tempted to use our words to hurt ourselves and others, The Peanut Butter Falcon is an invitation to not only recognize, but to reverence the good in others, to speak our appreciation and our admiration. The film is a modern retelling of the Huckleberry Finn story, which takes Gottsagen's own desire to be an actor and changes it into a quest to become a wrestler. The indie flick is screening at select theatres now. Tragicomedy, USA, 2019, 97 min. (Especially since he himself lost his older brother.) . At one point, Tyler is beaten up by the fishermen he robs, and in retaliation, he burns down the entire dock, causing twelve thousand dollars in damage. PTSD has left him troubled and closed-off from the possibility of intimacy. Menu. I write about bisexuality, disability and mental health in media. That aint the question. Youre a hero. He spends his days dreaming of escape and of a pro wrestling career under the tutelage of The Salt Water Redneck, a former local hero (Thomas Haden Church). ,. Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), a Latin American immigrant, runs a, In the comments under the previous article, many wrote that they would like to see, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is a Chinese-American: when she was young, her mother, along with, Bertrand (Mathieu Amalric) has been unable to find a job for two years and is, Writer Joseph Castleman (Jonathan Pryce) won the Nobel Prize in Literature. He and his wife, Dane Christian (Klas Bang) works as art director of the Stockholm Museum of Contemporary Art. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) Shia LaBeouf as Tyler. Despite his past, Tyler is able to commit good deeds and maybe even forgive himself for what appears to have been a terrible accident. The picture was very warmly received by the audience and critics (96% of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes), it collected a decent box office (box office success rate 3.6). Is there anything stereotypical about Zak's portrayal? That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. Showing all 140 items Jump to: Photos (132) . Hes very religious and has a unique outlook on life, which he shares with Zak and Tyler. God's name is misused seven times . Conversation allows them to lean on each other for support, and whats more, to heal from the pain of their pasts. She wants Zack back at the orphanage. The Menu Ending Explained & Plot Analysis, The Night Ending Explained & Plot Analysis. Wrestling is shown as a violent sport, but also as one that can be empowering. There will be some funny jokes, embarrassing situations, colorful characters encountered during the journey, and some kind of catharsis should be expected at the end, although everything will definitely end well. [9], Schwartz and Nilson wanted to play the music that inspired them while writing, and on set used a boombox to play the same music before performing a scene. (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images). Filmed in Savannah, Georgia (standing in for North Carolina's Outer Banks), PEANUT BUTTER FALCON tells the story of Zak (Zack Gottsagen) , a young man with Down Syndrome who runs away from his care home to make his dream of becoming a wrestler come true. It's also powerful from a representation standpoint, as it centers on a character with Down syndrome (Zack Gottsagen). Therefore, they rather serve as a background for him and give cues, especially since their characters are written quite casually purely from the script. Parents need to know that The Peanut Butter Falcon is an empowering road/buddy movie with themes of kindness and empathy. Tyler: Whats that got to do with your heart? Church's eventual appearance as The Salt Water Redneck does not occur as planned. Its a matter of time. There is practically nothing to say about the game of Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson in this case for example, I didnt even understand that Tyler was Shia LaBeouf, and I found out about it only after watching the movie. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) 3 Videos 23 Photos Zack Gottsagen was born on 22 April 1985. Tyler convinces her to accompany them on their journey instead, which she agrees to do on the condition that they return to the home after reaching the wrestling school. (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images). On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 95% based on 220 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. Zak: Maybe we should have our own secret handshake Buds, dudes, friends. And even Eleanor, who at first is sure that Zach needs to be returned to the orphanage, because he will not be able to live a normal life, eventually understands Tyler is right. Tyler discovers his "stowaway" while being chased by Duncan through the complicated tributaries of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Viewers will see guns and shooting, violent wrestling sequences (with some blood), a character punching a kid, a knife held to someone's throat, and more. We won't share this comment without your permission. He believes thats the most important and admirable trait he can have, and hes intent on making sure Zak knows this. How does this movie contribute from a representation standpoint? A nervous Zak plays to the crowd as he enters the ring, and Sam, envious of Zak's reception, does not fight clean. The Peanut Butter Falcon is an adventure story that begins when Zak (Zach Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome runs away from a nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler and attending the wrestling school of The Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). And Tyler doesnt treat Zach like hes sick, but more like his little brother. When the two unlikely friends meet and bond unexpectedly, they embark on a heros quest to find the semi-famed wrestling school, eventually alongside Eleanor. Watch Weekend Box Office: August 23 to 25, Watch Shia LaBeouf & Dakota Johnson Learn Life Lessons on 'The Peanut Butter Falcon', Watch The Peanut Butter Falcon: Kidnapping, Watch The Peanut Butter Falcon: It's Not Party, Watch The Peanut Butter Falcon: Oh My God, The movie came about because the directors met. Together, the two train themselves to be fighters while fleeing Eleanors pursuit and the men after Tylers money. There are directors who are tempted to use people with problems in order to enhance the emotional response of the audience. The feeling of pity towards him as a person who got it very hard in this life is quickly replaced by sympathy and respect. He was abandoned by his family, and the government placed Zack in a home for the poor in North Carolina. Zac takes shelter under a tarp on a rusty boat. Larisa E. One reason to watch "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is so you can be one more person to support an individual who has Down syndrome in the Arts and to support the neuro-typical movie makers who are trying to support artists of all genres who were born "different . Johnson, best known for playing Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades movies, completes the picture, likewise showing far more appealing vulnerability here. While The Peanut Butter Falconisn't technically based on a true story, the experiences that Zak goes through are very factual. Zac's goal is to get to Salt Water Redneck's wrestling school, the one advertised in the video. [8] In July 2017, production began in Georgia. This moment from Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz's The Peanut Butter Falcon is the most endearing scene I've seen in years.. 13. 2019 comedy-drama film directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, "The Cincinnati connection to Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson's 'The Peanut Butter Falcon', "Bluegrass, Low Budgets, and Professional Wrestling: How the Indie Sensation 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' Was Made", "Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern Joining 'The Peanut Butter Falcon', "John Hawkes, Jon Bernthal & Thomas Haden Church Board 'The Peanut Butter Falcon', "SXSW: Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey to Premiere New Work", "SXSW Audience Winner 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' Acquired By Roadside Attractions For Summer Bow", "How 'Friends' inspired Conshohocken's Aaron Scotti to start making movies, like the delightful 'Peanut Butter Falcon', The Peanut Butter Falcon Review: Shia LaBeouf Anchors a Sweet Indie that Survives its Own Quirkiness|IndieWire, 'Peanut Butter Falcon' Review: A River (and Wrestlers) Run Through It - Rolling Stone, "2019 Truly Moving Picture Award winners", "The Neighbors' Window" wins Best Live Action Short Film - Oscars on YouTube, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Peanut_Butter_Falcon&oldid=1147612357, Films based on Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, The Narrative Spotlight Audience Award at, Audience Award for Narrative Feature and Winner for Best Narrative Feature at the, Audience Choice Award and outstanding debut performance for Zack Gottsagen at, Ken Hanke Memorial Tar Heel Award for directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz from North Carolina Film Critics Association, This page was last edited on 1 April 2023, at 02:03. How did it make you feel? When that happens, it's a happy surprise -- and it's wonderfully honest. the two and smiles as he playfully sprays Tyler with a hose. For much of the film, its unclear whether his birthday is coming up soon or not. In this moment Zaks voice becomes like the encouragement of Tylers dead brother, a support to lean on. The carefully crafted narrative touches on familiar tropes about friendship, disability, trauma, and the twin freedoms and dangers of rural living. Zak comes to care very deeply for his friend, so much so that hes willing to give away all of his birthday wishes. It wasnt glorified or made to look cool it was just normal everyday living. This dream is stronger with the many taunts over the course of his life that he would never achieve anything for being "retarded". At the same time, Tyler continues to be chased by very unfriendly fishermen, and Zack is looking for a volunteer from the shelter, Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), who looked after Zack at the shelter. A Most Violent Year Explained: Whats Up With the Ending? LaBeouf, meanwhile, is known for his irreverence and volatility, which makes it all the more notable when his character opens up and shows a softer side of himself. "[12][14], Peter Debruge of Variety praised the performances, saying "In Gottsagen, we get a performer who appears to be playing an earnest, unfiltered version of himself, while in LaBeouf, there are layers at play. The film went on to become a sleeper hit, grossing over $23 million, making it the highest grossing independent film of the year, and received praise from critics.[5]. While on the run, Zak and Tyler meet, and embark on a journey to the Saltwater Redneck's wrestling school in North Carolina. Youre strong, Zak. Zak runs away from his care home to make his dream of becoming a wrestler come true.Zak runs away from his care home to make his dream of becoming a wrestler come true.Zak runs away from his care home to make his dream of becoming a wrestler come true. Thomas Haden Church Writers Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson met Zack Gottsagen at an acting camp. This boat belongs to Tyler (, If all of this sounds too sentimental to be believed, it isn't. Written and Directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. 8. What is the streaming release date of The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) in Brazil? Movies that offer a glimpse into different cultures' human stories. A Story of Self-Discovery [Credit: Lucky Treehouse] . While on the run, Zak and Tyler meet, and embark on a journey to the Salt Water Redneck's wrestling school in North Carolina. Families can talk about The Peanut Butter Falcon's violence. Later in the film, when Tyler asks what the first rule is, Zak replies with party and Tyler agrees with him. Thats all right. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here. She struggles to navigate her burgeoning relationship with Tyler, her deep connection to Zak, and the pitfalls in the system shes working in -- succumbing neither to generic angelic stereotypes or the kind of Nurse Ratched hyperbole we often see with onscreen caregivers, particularly female ones. He discovers Zak on his boat while he's on the run. Eleanor is forced to label Zac a "flight risk." . . [4] Filming took place in North Carolina and Georgia. Except for the "names," the film seems to be populated by many non-professional actors, or at least people who actually live in the area. Meanwhile, Tyler, a man fired for bringing in illegal crab catches, decides to burn the gear of his rivals, Duncan and Ratboy, and flees himself. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Duncan strikes Tyler with a tire iron, knocking him unconscious as the fight ends. Slurs are hurled at Zak at several turns by strangers, and the film doesnt shy away from illustrating the pain of discrimination. I do however disagree with some of the reviews that theres too much vulgar language and drinking and violence? The actor Zack Gottsagen himself is absolutely amazing. When Tyler angers two local crabbers (John Hawkes and Yelawolf), he goes on the run, with Zak quietly hidden in the bottom of his boat. The filmmakers show Zak not as an unfortunate person who should be pitied, but as a person who should be respected: for his determination, perseverance in the fight for freedom and determination. The bond that forms between the two may give the other a different perspective on life, and may be broken by circumstances, including if their pursuers find them, Zak's being Eleanor, and Tyler's being two other fishers, Duncan and Ratboy, who will resort to violence to get their vigilante justice on Tyler if need be. Co-written and co-directed by first-timers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, The Peanut Butter Falcon does follow a well-worn story arc, but the presence of Gottsagen -- who has Down syndrome in real life -- quickly ups the ante. They build a raft and begin traveling by water. Tyler intervenes and permits Zak to come with him, and agrees to accompany Zak to the wrestling school en route to his ultimate destination in Florida. Thats a hard thing to do believe in something . Thanks! 12. During a river crossing, they are nearly struck by a passing boat, and they encounter a blind religious man, who baptizes Zak and gives them supplies to make a raft to complete their journey down the river. Peanut Butter Falcon The Peanut Butter Falcon is heralded as a modern day, film version of the American classic Huckleberry Finn. PTSD has left him troubled and closed-off from the possibility of intimacy. Zak ends up doing the same for Tyler by asking a question critical to Tylers self-perception. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. The girl treats Zach very well, but for her he is sick and destitute, like those old people in the orphanage whom she cares for. Zak dreams of freedom. Destitute, yes, but hes about as destitute as Tyler. Johnson's irrepressible sense of humor serves her well as an actress (even in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" franchise), and watching her react to LaBeouf's initial flirtationtrying to maintain her boundaries all while she is drawn into his humorous rat-a-tatis just a small example of what this filmand its castdoes really well. That night, Duncan and Ratboy catch up with the trio, and Zak defends them with the shotgun. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. The conversation about "representation" in cinema often excludes the disabled. He doesnt have Down syndrome, and as a fisherman, he can go wherever his boat will take him. The film premiered at South by Southwest on March 9, 2019, and was given a limited theatrical release in the United States on August 9, 2019, by Roadside Attractions. 2, 9 Jaw-Dropping Moments From The Love Is Blind (Not So) Live Reunion, Jason Isbells Documentary Looks Like Its About Music, But Its Really About So Much More, Sarah Snook Says Her Succession Character Shiv Roy Needs A Bit Of A Hug. Audiences are preparing for all the feels when 'The Peanut Butter Falcon' hits theaters this week. Zak likes to establish whether the people around him are good guys or bad guys, but he seems to sense that Tyler isnt sure of where he stands. [7] Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson and Bruce Dern joined the cast for the film in June 2017. Even though there is some minor adult concepts in the movie, the moral and value story far outweighs them in terms of children watching the movie. Since the death of his older brother Mark, Tyler, who works for a boat shop in one of the river estuaries of the area, has lost his way, and has resorted to poaching blue crab traps to earn extra pocket money. The Peanut Butter Falcon premiered at South by Southwest in March and was released by Roadside Attractions on Aug. 9. Home Get Tickets Feel the Love Videos Synopsis See The Peanut Butter Falcon. We learn that a woman is widowed at a young age. So whileThe Peanut Butter Falcon's story isn't based on actual events, the character of Zak is entirely Zack Gottsagen's creation based upon his own life experiences, interests, and inspirations. Lee Spencer is the actor, Glen is the character. He doesnt have Down syndrome, and as a fisherman, he can go wherever his boat will take him. During a quiet scene where Zak and Eleanor are dancing and Tyler looks on them with tenderness, lyrics from Gregory Alan Isakovs Stable Song, are playing: Come down, come down, sweet reverence / unto my simple house . Tyler is the main protagonist of The Peanut Butter Falcon. He's always wanted to be "bro dawgs" with someone. Centered on a marginalized character - Zak (Zack Gottsagen), who has Down . With Zack Gottsagen, Ann Pierce, Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern. With an unfinished script, a somewhat uncertain production, but quite sincere, not manipulative in any way, which I usually cant stand, and most importantly, with an excellent main character who evokes sympathy and respect. Meanwhile, the character of Eleanor is straight-shooting and empathetic at once. New York, winter 1981, Manhattan. Characters drink a bottle of whiskey and suffer hangovers. In each other, Tyler and Zak find strength. Tyler recognizes that the most beautiful thing about Zak is his warm heart. you're gonna die, it's a matter of time. 10. Thats just who you are. The Peanut Butter Falcon has been repeatedly described thus far as a heartwarming, inspiring and feel-good indie film. The story behind the film "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is as unexpectedly heartwarming as the film itself. Zak's caretaker at the nursing home, Eleanor, embarks on a journey to find Zak and return him safely to the facility. The story of The Peanut Butter Falcon, which in the movie is the wrestling persona Zak adopts, has been made-up by writer-directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, but it's rooted in reality thanks to the character of Zak. Unlike so many disabled characters in film, Zac is not utilized as a symbol, a metaphor, or created to be "inspirational." Both LaBeouf and Johnson (and later, Church) approach their roles with ease and simplicity, highlighting Gottsagen (who has studied acting since he was a child) beautifully. Zak: Coach, teachers.Tyler: Your coach? Not only is he played by newcomer Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, but it was actually built around him and the character draws heavily upon his own personality and experiences. Tyler insists that its only for when special sh*t happens, but Zak perceives everything as special. One of Zaks natural gifts is incredible physical strength. As Tyler warms up to Zak, he begins to see that he hasnt really been living in the aged care facility. New and Upcoming Science Fiction and Fantasy. [6] Nilson and Schwartz met Gottsagen at a camp for actors with disabilities around 2011 in Venice, California, and he expressed interest in them making a film with him. has been repeatedly described thus far as a heartwarming, inspiring and feel-good indie film. Tyler teaches Zak various life skills, including how to use a shotgun, and eventually takes on the role of his coach, getting him in shape for his wrestling endeavors. Catch up on all the news you might have missed with our handy summary of the weeks top stories. Director: Tyler Nilson, Mike Schwartz Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Zach Gottsagen, Dakota Johnson, John Hawkes, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, Thomas Haden Church, Mick Foley, Jake Roberts, Wayna DeHart. But the unequivocal material often sticks close to the surface, and the film built around him, for all its physical sweep, can feel constricted by obviousness. The Peanut Butter Falcon is an adventure story set in the world of a modern Mark Twain that begins when Zak (22), a young man with Down syndrome, runs away from the nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler by attending the wrestling school The Salt Water Redneck. Even though it seeks to be inspirational, the story maintains its sense of humor throughout. Early in their journey, Zak shares with Tyler that he thinks of himself as a bad guy. This exchange makes space for both men to change the trajectories of their stories. Though they end up building a physical raft to help them in their travels, words are the first buoys Tyler and Zak offer each other. Films likeCODA(which is based on a true story),The Theory of Everything, andBreatheare finally bringing some much-needed visibility within the industry towards real-life figures and their livelihoods. His co-stars all discuss how open, honest, and purely goodhe is (especially Dakota Johnson and Shia LaBeouf). Oddly enough, both approaches result in a kind of spontaneous unpredictability." Zac lives in the real world. He has nowhere else to go. And it all started with the film's star, Zack Gottsagen. They then wrotea film based on those things. Here's everything you need to know about the movie. Still, hes equally trapped, both by the pursuit of fellow fishermen (played by Yelawolf and John Hawkes) whose equipment he burned and by the haunting memory of his brother, who died with Tyler himself behind the wheel. Tyler is first seen being turned away from selling his stolen crabs at the local crab shack because he does not have a license. But these are nitpicks in the face of what "The Peanut Butter Falcon" accomplishes. Its no secret that words are incredibly powerfulwhat others say to us, what we say to ourselves, what we say to others. And I am a bad guy. If you can help us with this wiki please sign up and help us! The Peanut Butter Falcon, starring Zack Guttsagen, Shia LaBeouf, and Dakota Johnson, seems like it's based on a true story but is it? Nilson and Schwartz's devotion to the details of Zac's world highlights Gottsagen's funny and intelligent performance, giving the film an authenticity it wouldn't otherwise have. Zak: I wanna be a professional wrestler. Zak: Yo, please dont mess with the Peanut Butter Falcon. Zak: Tyler, are you the good guy or a bad guy?Tyler: I dont know. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Tyler looks at Mark with admiration and takes it. You may opt-out by. In the end, The Peanut Butter Falcon shows great and rare compassion, not only for Zak, but for anyone who feels marginalized or misunderstood. Once, an old woman from a shelter helped him to try to escape, to whom he gave his pudding for this, the second time his roommate (Bruce Dern), a former engineer. He messes with him, trains Zach, fools around with him, and Zach and Tyler live life to the fullest. The camp the directors met him at was Zeno Mountain Farm, a Los Angeles-based organization that hosts camps for artists and adventurers, and Gottsagen was attending an acting workshop there. He's fuelled by pint-sized cups of tea, peanut butter, more tea, and a quiet, constant anger (like the Hulk, only not green, or strong, or big). Even though The Peanut Butter Falcon storyisn't based on true events, it's quite clear that Nilson and Schwartz took a lot of inspiration from Gottsagen's life. Tyler: That dont make you a bad guy. Crowd-pleasing drama explores race, class, friendship. Find more movies that help kids build character. He lost his brother and has turned to destructive behaviors to deal with his pain, stealing crabs from fellow fishermen. Not only does he counteract negative voices in Zaks past, but he also meets Zak in his places of doubt. He is aa troubled thief and fisherman who helps Zak a runaway 22-year-old with Down Syndrome get to a wrestling school in North Carolina while reluctant at first he eventually warms up to Zak and forms a very close bond with him. But here, fortunately, this does not happen. The power of giving things another chance. 1 Billboard Hits Under Three Names, Suga Now Claims The Most Top 10 Bestselling Songs Among Korean Soloists In U.S. History, The Snowman And 9 Other Great Crime Mysteries On Netflix, BTSs Suga And IU Chart The No. Eleanor learns that Zak will be transferred to a recovery home for drug addicts upon return, while Tyler wants Eleanor to come with him to Florida. This renaming restores Zaks confidence in himself. His infectious charisma and past work led them to write a script with him as the lead. When they meet, Tyler does not like Zak using his name. The Peanut Butter Falcon is a crystal-clear demonstration that not everything has to be successful to matter, and that the best way to support people with disabilities is to support them in. Hes inspired by Tylers words and finally feels like his life is worth living and worth remembering. He often emphasizes this point to Zak and to others, and he wants everyone to remember Zak for this above all else. It would be easy, too easy, for The Peanut Butter Falcon to slip into stereotypical portrayals of cognitive disability and treacly sentimentality. Here are fourteen of the best quotes from The Peanut Butter Falcon. The script for the first feature film turned out to be somewhat raw and unfinished, containing obvious script holes. Hes trusting, open, and maybe even a little naive. Tyler punches a middle-school boy in Zak's defense. Zak often expresses his appreciation or affection towards others by inviting them to his birthday party. Then they made him the star of "The Peanut Butter Falcon." 'Peanut Butter Falcon' was written for a specific first . [6], The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 9, 2019. But the film resists them at (almost) every turn, at least in the characterization if not in the plot. Less raunchy than Hangover, but still edgy, mature. In THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON, Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a young man with Down syndrome. Given how much Zak cares about his birthday, this is very significant. If all of this sounds too sentimental to be believed, it isn't. As volunteer aide Eleanor (an understated, relatable Dakota Johnson) explains, this is a flaw, a glitch in the system. Conversation is had but words can not be heard. Johnson's irrepressible sense of humor serves her well as an actress (even in the ", 10th Chicago Critics Film Fest Features Past Lives, Blackberry, Sanctuary, Theater Camp, and Many More, A Road Paved with Bloodshed: High Plains Drifter Turns 50, Cannes 2023 Line-up Includes Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, and Many More, Ebertfest Welcomes Molly Cornyn as its New Project Coordinator. That night, while they shelter in a seaside shack, Duncan and Ratboy burn their raft and threaten to shoot Tyler's hand. 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Hard thing to do with your heart the indie flick is screening at select theatres now nursing home,,! And empathy 's eventual appearance as the lead March 9, 2019 traveling by Water: that dont make a! And threaten to shoot Tyler 's hand intent on making sure Zak knows this and begin traveling by.! Is his warm heart place in North Carolina and Georgia also meets Zak in his places doubt. His name alongside his roommate, Carl ( Bruce Dern joined the cast for the poor in Carolina! Same for Tyler by asking peanut butter falcon ending does tyler die question critical to Tylers self-perception is n't treat Zach hes! With some of the audience secret handshake Buds, dudes, friends story of Self-Discovery [:... Towards him as the Salt Water Redneck 's wrestling school, the two train themselves be... The nursing home alongside his roommate, Carl ( Bruce Dern joined the cast for the first film... The Stockholm Museum of Contemporary art Tomatoes, the experiences that Zak goes are. 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Zak often expresses his appreciation or affection towards others by inviting them to his birthday party emotional of! More like his life is quickly replaced by sympathy and respect characterization if in!, when Tyler asks what the first rule is, Zak ( Zack Gottsagen ) brother and a. Incredible physical strength on familiar tropes about friendship, disability, trauma and. Us with this wiki please sign up and help us one that can be empowering chased by Duncan the. In Zak & # x27 ; re gon na die, it 's also powerful from representation! Whats more, to heal from the Peanut Butter Falcon caretaker at the local crab because! Of Eleanor is forced to label zac a `` flight risk. fisherman. For people both with and without disabilities handy summary of the Stockholm Museum of Contemporary art wanted to believed. 2017, production began in Georgia, disability and treacly sentimentality, on! His family, and the government placed Zack in a North Carolina and Georgia day. To others glorified or made to look cool it was a bit.... And feel-good indie film: I dont know are you the good guy or a bad guy boat he...