«The Peanut Butter Falcon doesn't count as peanuts

Cinema Wednesdays - Kelly Lambiel

An atypical trio, a few miles to cover (on the water, of course) and a dream to realize. That's the almost perfect definition of a road movie as we love them. An ode to freedom, The Peanut Butter Falcon probably won't go down in cinema history, but it has what it takes to earn a place in people's hearts.

The Individual and Society

Zak (Zachary Gottsagen) has only one wish: to become a professional wrestler. Meanwhile, Tyler (Shia LaBeouf) is struggling to get his life back on track after the shock of his brother’s death. While trying to stay out of trouble, Tyler finds a young man in his underwear hiding on his boat. Zak, who has no family and has Down syndrome, has also decided to leave the institution where he’s been living to join the wrestling school run by his hero, Saltwater Redneck.

As companions in misfortune, they sail through the breathtaking landscapes of the Outer Banks and traverse the enchanting bayous of North Carolina. As their adventures unfold—joined by Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), Zak’s mentor—a bond forms, with each providing the other exactly what they needed. A purpose, a sense of belonging, and responsibilities for Tyler. Self-confidence, a zest for life, and freedom for Zak—in short, the chance to lead a «normal» life.

But The Peanut Butter Falcon It’s not just the story of a coming-of-age journey for two individuals on the margins of society—it’s also an atmosphere. Directors Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz plunge us into the heart of poor, rural America—the world of those left behind and forgotten by the system, who, while struggling to survive, are thirsty for life. The imagery is beautiful, and the characters are incredibly authentic.

Picaresque Heroes

While the story may feel like déjà vu, the screenplay is moving—without ever veering into melodrama or caricature—thanks to the unexpected and humorous twists in certain scenes. There’s no attempt to elicit pity from the audience for the protagonists by dwelling on their difficult pasts or disabilities; instead, they’re shown to us just as they see themselves: two young men in search of freedom. Losers, yes. But the kind who make you smile, with a tear in your eye.

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When you leave the road and head toward the river, it’s as if you’re shedding the burden of social criticism often associated with the genre of road movie whose ending—which signifies the individual’s failure—is, moreover, generally pessimistic. This lends the story a sense of lightness and authenticity. The Peanut Butter Falcon would therefore be what is called (I'm just learning this myself) a feel good movie, much like Little Miss Sunshine (2006) or Captain Fantastic (2016). A breath of fresh air, a moment of positivity. And with the lockdown and the heat wave, we love it!

Write to the author: kelly.lambiel@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Impuls Pictures