Fundamentals of Caring Review

you're looking for a film that blends dark humor with genuine emotional depth, this it

Hey, movie lovers! Sometimes, you stumble upon a film that just gets it – the messy, beautiful, often hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking journey of life. "The Fundamentals of Caring" is exactly that kind of movie. It's not your typical Hollywood blockbuster with explosions and superheroes; instead, it's a poignant, witty, and deeply human story that will grab your heart and might even make you snort-laugh in public. If you're looking for a film that blends dark humor with genuine emotional depth, and leaves you feeling a little lighter, you absolutely need to check out this gem.

What is The Fundamentals of Caring About? The Road to Healing

"The Fundamentals of Caring" follows Ben (played by the effortlessly charming Paul Rudd), a retired writer who, after a personal tragedy, becomes a caregiver. His first client is Trevor (portrayed brilliantly by Craig Roberts), a quick-witted 18-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Trevor lives with his protective mother and has a routine as rigid as his physical limitations.

Their story truly begins when Ben, pushing Trevor (literally) out of his comfort zone, proposes a road trip to visit some of the world's lamest roadside attractions, starting with the deepest pit. As they embark on this unconventional journey, their initial awkwardness and Trevor's sarcastic cynicism slowly give way to an unlikely friendship. Along the way, they pick up Dot (Selena Gomez), a sassy runaway with her own baggage, and Peaches (Megan Ferguson), a pregnant woman. Each stop, each conversation, and each new face chips away at their emotional walls, forcing them to confront their pasts and redefine what it means to live, care, and find joy amidst adversity. It’s a powerful exploration of finding purpose and connection when you least expect it.

The Fundamentals of Caring Cast: Stellar Performances That Drive the Heart

The heart and soul of this movie lie squarely with the Fundamentals of Caring cast. Their performances are nuanced, real, and bring a refreshing authenticity to the characters that could easily fall into clichés.

• Paul Rudd as Ben: Rudd, known for his comedic timing, delivers a truly understated and heartfelt performance. He embodies the quiet grief of a man trying to find a new path, and his interactions with Trevor perfectly balance exasperation with genuine warmth. He lets Trevor's sharp wit shine while slowly revealing his own vulnerability.

• Craig Roberts as Trevor: Roberts is an absolute revelation. He makes Trevor witty, cynical, and deeply human, never allowing the character to be defined solely by his disability. His delivery of sarcastic one-liners is impeccable, and he portrays Trevor's frustrations and desires with incredible authenticity. The chemistry between Rudd and Roberts is the undeniable backbone of the film, making their evolving bond incredibly believable and touching.

• Selena Gomez as Dot: Gomez brings a cool, rebellious energy to Dot. Her character serves as a catalyst, shaking up Ben and Trevor's dynamic and adding another layer of depth to their road trip. She's tough but also vulnerable, and her performance feels grounded and honest.

• Jennifer Ehle as Elsa: As Trevor's fiercely protective mother, Ehle delivers a powerful performance, showing the love and fear that drives her character's every decision.

The naturalistic acting from this ensemble makes their journey feel incredibly personal, drawing viewers into their struggles and triumphs.

Themes Explored: Beyond the Disability

"The Fundamentals of Caring" bravely tackles the topic of disability, but it does so without being preachy or resorting to oversimplified narratives. Instead, it focuses on the universal human experience of pain, loss, and the fundamental need for connection.

• Grief and Healing: Both Ben and Trevor are grappling with profound loss. Ben with his personal tragedy, and Trevor with the limitations of his condition. Their journey together becomes a mutual process of healing, confronting their pain, and learning to find joy again.

• Breaking Free from Limitations (Both Physical and Emotional): Trevor's physical limitations are obvious, but the movie also explores the emotional limitations that fear and grief place on both him and Ben. The road trip symbolizes their journey towards breaking free from these self-imposed boundaries.

• The Power of Connection and Empathy: The film beautifully illustrates how unexpected friendships can be transformative. Ben and Trevor, initially strangers, learn to lean on each other, challenge each other, and ultimately, care for each other in ways neither anticipated.

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The dark humor woven throughout the film is not just for laughs; it's a realistic depiction of how people cope with difficult circumstances. Trevor's sarcasm, in particular, is a defense mechanism that slowly gives way to genuine vulnerability.

Movies Like The Fundamentals of Caring: If You Loved This, Watch These!

If "The Fundamentals of Caring" hit you in all the right spots, you'll probably love these other films that blend heartwarming stories with a touch of quirk and emotional depth. These are some excellent movies like The Fundamentals of Caring:

• Intouchables (2011) / The Upside (2017): A wealthy quadriplegic forms an unlikely bond with his ex-con caregiver. Both films share the core premise of a transformative cross-class friendship centered aroundcaregiving.

• Little Miss Sunshine (2006): (As mentioned in the previous review, this is a perfect match!) A dysfunctional family embarks on a chaotic road trip, learning to embrace their imperfections. Shares the dark humor and family dynamics.

• Me Before You (2016): While more overtly romantic, this film also explores the relationship between a quadriplegic man and his caregiver, dealing with themes of choice and quality of life.

• The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019): A young man with Down syndrome escapes his care facility to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler, forming an unlikely friendship with a small-time outlaw.

• Paddleton (2019): Another Paul Rudd film, this one a dramedy about two unlikely friends dealing with a terminal illness. It's quieter but equally poignant.

These films capture the essence of unexpected bonds, road trips, and finding meaning in challenging circumstances.

The Fundamentals of Caring Book: The Origin Story

Before it became a Netflix movie, "The Fundamentals of Caring" was a novel titled The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by author Jonathan Evison. The The Fundamentals of Caring book laid the groundwork for the heartwarming and humorous story we see on screen.

Evison's novel is praised for its authentic portrayal of disability and the complex emotional landscape of both the caregiver and the recipient of care. The book dives deeply into Ben's grief and Trevor's daily challenges, often with a raw honesty that resonates with readers. While the film captures the spirit and main beats of the novel, adaptations always involve some level of distillation. The movie successfully translates the book's dry wit and emotional core into a visual medium, showcasing the power of friendship and acceptance. Reading the fundamentals of caring book offers an even deeper dive into the characters' inner lives and motivations.

Fundamentals of Caring Soundtrack: The Perfect Road Trip Vibes

A good road trip movie needs a killer fundamentals of caring soundtrack, and this film delivers. The music perfectly complements the film's tone, shifting from melancholic indie tunes to more upbeat, hopeful tracks that capture the essence of their journey. The score, by Alex Wurman, is subtly impactful, enhancing the emotional beats without overpowering the narrative.

The song choices throughout the movie often feel organic to the scenes, adding to the authenticity of the characters' experiences. A well-placed song can elevate a simple scene, and "The Fundamentals of Caring" uses its music effectively to underscore moments of humor, sadness, and profound connection, truly making you feel like you're right there in that quirky minivan with Ben and Trevor.

Fan & Critical Reception: What People Are Saying

"The Fundamentals of Caring" garnered a lot of love from both critics and audiences, particularly for its refreshing take on a familiar genre and its standout performances.

Reddit Reviews:

• On r/Netflix, one user shared, "Just finished The Fundamentals of Caring on Netflix. Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts are fantastic together. It's surprisingly funny and heartwarming without being cheesy. Highly recommend."

• Another commented on r/movies, "What a gem! I went in expecting a typical feel-good flick but it has so much more depth, and the humor is perfectly dark. Trevor's character is so well-written and played."

• Some praised its honest portrayal of disability: "It avoids the 'inspiration porn' trap so many movies about disability fall into. Trevor is just a character, flaws and all, which is so refreshing."

Quora Opinions:

• A Quora user noted, "The film doesn't shy away from the realities of living with a disability, but it focuses more on the human connection and the journey of self-discovery for both main characters. It's a beautiful story about finding joy where you least expect it."

• Another highlighted the chemistry: "Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts have incredible chemistry. Their banter is hilarious, and you truly believe their friendship. Selena Gomez also surprised me in her role."

The general consensus is that the film is a well-crafted dramedythat manages to be genuinely uplifting without shying away from life's tougher realities.

Final Thoughts: Why Fundamentals of Caring is a Must-Watch

"The Fundamentals of Caring" is more than just a movie about a caregiver and a disabled teen; it's a universal story about confronting your fears, embracing vulnerability, and finding unexpected joy in the most unlikely of places. With its stellar performances, witty script, and profound themes, it manages to be both deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a film that reminds us of the power of human connection, the beauty of imperfect lives, and the fundamental importance of caring—for ourselves and for others. So, clear your schedule, grab some tissues (for tears of laughter and emotion!), and give this indie gem the watch it deserves.