The Peanut Butter Falcon 2019
Directed by
Mike Schwartz
Made by
Roadside Attractions
Plot Summary
Zak, a 22-year-old man living with Down Syndrome, makes a daring escape from a state-run care facility with the help of his elderly roommate, Bruce Dern. His goal? To train as a professional wrestler under the guidance of his idol, the Saltwater Redneck, played by Thomas Haden Church. Simultaneously, Tyler, portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, finds himself on the run after losing his job for illegal crab fishing. In a fit of desperation, he sets fire to his rivals’ equipment.
During their journeys, Zak and Tyler’s paths cross, leading them to a shared adventure towards the Saltwater Redneck’s wrestling school in North Carolina. As they travel, Zak’s caretaker, Dakota Johnson, sets off on her own mission to locate him and bring him back to the facility where he belongs.
As Zak and Tyler travel together, their friendship flourishes. Tyler becomes a mentor to Zak, teaching him essential life skills, including the use of a gun. They even craft a boat to continue their travels via water, representing their newfound freedom. When Eleanor discovers Zak’s fate, she learns that her boss plans to place him in an even more restrictive environment, prompting her to join forces with Zak and Tyler.
Their trip takes a harrowing turn one night when two men chasing Tyler confront them. In a moment of bravery, Zak defends his friends using the gun Tyler taught him to wield. Upon arriving in North Carolina, Tyler is disheartened to learn that Clint, the Saltwater Redneck, has retired and closed the school. However, he convinces Clint to revive his wrestling persona for Zak’s benefit.
Under Clint’s mentorship, Zak trains intensely, earning a spot on a local wrestling card that Tyler believes has been fixed to ensure Zak’s safety. Yet, during the match, Zak faces a fierce opponent who does not hold back. As Tyler tries to step in, chaos ensues when the two men from earlier show up, striking Tyler and rendering him unconscious.
In a moment of incredible determination, Zak taps into his extraordinary strength, lifting his opponent and propelling him out of the ring—a feat that Thomas Haden Church had claimed was impossible. As the film closes, we see Tyler recovering from his injury while they head towards Florida, symbolizing the dawn of a new chapter in their lives.
Timeline
Zak's Escape
Zak, a 22-year-old man with Down Syndrome, makes a daring escape from a state-run care facility. He is aided by his elderly roommate, Bruce Dern, showcasing his bravery and determination to find a new path in life.
Journey to Wrestling Dreams
With a strong goal in mind, Zak sets off to train as a professional wrestler under the guidance of the Saltwater Redneck. His idol, played by Thomas Haden Church, becomes the driving force behind his adventurous spirit.
Tyler's Reckless Decision
Meanwhile, Tyler finds himself in dire straits after losing his job due to illegal crab fishing. In his desperation, he resorts to setting fire to his rivals' equipment, marking the beginning of his journey on the run.
Crossing Paths
As fate would have it, Zak and Tyler’s paths intersect during their respective adventures. Their shared experience strengthens their bond, leading to a friendship that becomes essential for both their journeys.
Eleanor's Search
Concerned for Zak's wellbeing, his caretaker Eleanor embarks on a mission to find him. She is determined to bring him back to the care facility, unaware of the adventures he's embarking on.
Mentorship and Skills
As they travel together, Tyler assumes the role of a mentor for Zak, teaching him essential life skills. Among these lessons is the use of a gun, marking a significant growth in Zak's confidence and abilities.
Crafting Freedom
In a creative burst, Zak and Tyler craft a boat to aid in their travels, symbolizing their newfound freedom. This moment represents their determination to escape their past and pursue their dreams.
Eleanor's Dilemma
When Eleanor learns of Zak's adventures, she discovers a plan by her boss to place him in an even more restrictive environment. This pivotal moment pushes her to join forces with Zak and Tyler instead.
Confrontation and Bravery
During one of their nights on the road, Zak and Tyler are confronted by two men chasing Tyler. In an unexpected turn of bravery, Zak uses the gun Tyler taught him to wield, standing up for his friends.
Disappointment in North Carolina
Upon arriving in North Carolina, Tyler learns that his idol, Clint, the Saltwater Redneck, has retired and closed his wrestling school. Feeling disheartened, he must find a way to reignite Clint’s interest in wrestling for Zak's sake.
Training Under Clint
Convinced by Tyler, Clint agrees to mentor Zak and revives his wrestling persona. This marks a new chapter in Zak's life, filled with hope and the promise of achieving his dreams.
Wrestling Match Day
Zak, now trained under Clint's guidance, earns a spot on a local wrestling card. Tyler suspects the match has been fixed, hoping to protect Zak during what could be a dangerous event.
Chaos in the Ring
During a fiercely contested match, Zak faces an opponent who is fully committed to winning. The situation escalates when the two men from earlier arrive, resulting in chaos as Tyler tries to intervene.
Zak's Triumph
In a moment of incredible determination, Zak taps into his extraordinary strength, lifting his opponent and propelling him out of the ring. This stunning feat proves everyone, including Clint, wrong about his potential.
Journey to New Beginnings
As the film concludes, Tyler is seen recovering from his injuries while Zak continues to pursue his dreams. Their journey towards Florida represents a hopeful new chapter in their lives, filled with endless possibilities.
Characters
Zak (Zack Gottsagen)
Zak is a determined and spirited young man with Down Syndrome, yearning to pursue his dreams. His love for wrestling and unyielding optimism drive him to escape the confines of his care facility. Zak's growth throughout the journey showcases his bravery and strength, highlighting his capability to defy expectations.
Tyler (Shia LaBeouf)
Tyler is a rugged fisherman with a troubled past who finds new purpose in mentoring Zak. His rebellious nature and survival instincts lead him on a path of redemption, showing growth through his existing willingness to support Zak. Their friendship transforms Tyler, helping him confront his own challenges.
Eleanor (Dakota Johnson)
Eleanor is Zak's caretaker who is dedicated to ensuring his well-being. Her initial role as a guardian evolves into a pivotal part of the journey as she realizes Zak’s need for freedom. Her compassion and determination drive her to re-evaluate what it means to care for someone truly.
Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church)
Salt Water Redneck is a flamboyant wrestling mentor who embodies the wrestling culture. His reluctant acceptance to guide Zak reflects a deeper understanding of mentorship and connection. Through his guidance, he becomes a catalyst for Zak to realize his dreams, illustrating the impact of support.
Setting
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, showcasing current societal views and challenges. The narrative addresses modern issues such as accessibility for individuals with disabilities and the stigma surrounding them, making it relatable to today's audiences.
Location
North Carolina, Florida
North Carolina is known for its beautiful coastlines and rich wrestling culture, making it a perfect backdrop for Zak's journey. The state is filled with lush landscapes and lively communities, resonating with the themes of friendship and perseverance. Florida symbolizes the promise of new beginnings and further adventures.
Themes
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Friendship
The bond between Zak and Tyler is central to the story, as they navigate their challenges together. Their friendship exemplifies loyalty, support, and trust, proving that true connections can arise in the most unexpected circumstances. This theme is reinforced through their shared adventures and mutual growth.
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Perseverance
Zak's dream to become a professional wrestler highlights the theme of perseverance. Despite numerous obstacles, both Zak and Tyler push forward, demonstrating how determination can lead to achieving one's dreams. The journey symbolizes overcoming adversity and not allowing limitations to define one’s potential.
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Identity
The quest for identity plays a significant role, particularly for Zak as he seeks to define himself beyond his disability. His journey toward wrestling serves as a metaphor for self-discovery and empowerment. Through mentorship and shared experiences, both Zak and Tyler confront their pasts and embrace who they truly are.
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