Written and directed by Rob Burnett (We Made This Movie), “The Fundamentals of Caring” is based on a book by Jonathan Evison “The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving.” The movie stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Jennifer Ehle, Selina Gomez, and Megan Ferguson. It is now available for streaming on Netflix.
“The Fundamentals of Caring” demonstrates what caregivers go through and the hardships they encounter. First-time caregiver Ben struggles to come into terms with Trevor's sardonic personality. The boy likes to play pranks on him and he, purposely, tries to be as uncooperative as possible. He's suffering from a disability called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy but it's nothing compared to his crude sense of humor. Though even after his constant disobedience, Ben let it go because he understands that he’s just a frustrated teenager.
Ben, on the other hand, might be a discipline guy but he has problems of his own. He’s haunted by the death of his son and his wife wants him to sign their divorce papers.
As the two start to master each other, a brilliant idea pops into their head. Go on a road trip to see the World’s Deepest Pit in Utah. Elsa reluctantly agrees and the two embarks on their trip. The long ride brings Ben and Trevor closer and along the way they meet people, like Dot (Selena Gomez) and Peaches (Megan Ferguson), who showed them that there are other fundamentals for caring.
They all say that life is not about the destination rather it’s about the journey. If the destination tells us what we are then the journey tells us who we are in the world. And isn't who we become the most important thing? Traveling into the unknown and experiencing life beyond comfort compels someone to mature. As Ben and Trevor went further down the highway, they found themselves growing. The once self-absorbed Trevor grows selfless evident by his persistence to bring Peaches to Nebraska. Ben also learns a valuable lesson to conciliate with his fears and struggles. “The Fundamentals of Caring” invites us to re-assess how we nurture our relationship with other people and ourselves.
Even more, it contests the ALOHA principle. It highlights what is missing beyond the asking, listening, and helping — and that is compassion. The movie illustrates that, sometimes, it’s as basic as having a deep awareness of somebody’s suffering to be a good caregiver and friend. Personal connection combines with service leads to a meaningful life filled with joy and contentment.
Though the movie wants us to remember that being a caregiver is no easy task. These people exchange their wellbeings for others yet it feels like it’s an injustice to pay them only $9 per hour. It’s disheartening how easily they can be discounted for what they do. It’s only right for them to be credited or, at least, respected for the difference they make through this thoughtful movie.
Anyway, “The Fundamentals of Caring” is a fun movie to watch. It’s lighthearted despite the sensitive subject matter it tackles. At first, I question the movie's attempt to be comedic rather than be dramatic but I soon realize that this movie doesn’t have to go to the extremes to deliver its message. Besides, amidst the quarantine to be sad is the last thing that we want. So it’s good timing that we have this jaunt story that is both light and merry to watch.
Also, the casts are perfect. Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts chemistry are gold and their witty banter is both cute and savvy. Jennifer Ehle, Selina Gomez, and Megan Ferguson all did an excellent job as supporting characters They feel human even if they are plot devices in the story.
In conclusion, I would recommend seeing “The Fundamentals of Caring” because it’s entertaining and ruminating. It might not be the most life-changing movie ever in the world but it's good enough to empower you to spark change.
4/5
