Movie Review

The Fundamentals of Caring

Josiah Perez, Head Editor

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016) is a comedy drama about a retired writer, Ben, who was struck with emotional difficulties after the passing of his son. After three years of refusing to sign the divorce papers with his wife, Ben becomes the caregiver of a handicapped teen with a crude humor and anxious character named Trevor. The two develop a close bond together and adapt to each other’s habits, all the while Ben’s troubles start to catch up with him. After little planning, Trevor’s mother reluctantly allows Ben to take him on a road trip to finally get Trevor out of his shell, marking the beginning of their exciting, life-changing and emotional journey.

My personal favorite scene was the cow scene, probably because it did the funny. The face close-ups, the mildly large cow, the men struggling to carry Trevor and the monotone attitudes made it a pretty epic moment to me. Honestly, I’d like the movie a good bit less if that scene weren’t in it. Overall, I give the movie a 7/10.

The film may not be for the whole family, but it is a great experience nonetheless, whether you watch it alone or with a friend. It can sometimes have corny humor, but has very unexpected moments, too. So, you’ll be in for a number of surprises. It may not be a ‘blow you away’ type of movie, but, in my opinion, it’s worth spending an hour and a half on. You’ll get a good laugh in, and will maybe even be touched by its poignant story.