#REVIEW: “THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CARING”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Screenwriter and director Rob Burnett graces Netflix with one of the most heartfelt and passionate, yet funny Movies I have seen all year, The Fundamentals of Caring. From start to finish, the Movie takes our two protagonists and essentially throws them through a wood chipper and lets them sort through the mess and rebuild themselves. The Movie takes such an approach to this task that there will be tears at points and also laughter and joy. The Fundamentals of Caring is the hidden gem we have been searching for.

The Movie starts off with Ben (Paul Rudd), a caregiver who has faced some form of tragedy in his life and is just trying to get back on his feet. When things start to take a turn for Ben is when he meets his first client, Trevor (Craig Roberts) an 18 year old who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. Ben and Trevor at first butt heads with a serious of funny moments including how Ben plans on cleaning Trevor after he uses the bathroom, to something that kindles into a much more serious and personal relationship. Trevor wants to explore the world but simply cannot because of his condition and other forces preventing him, however Ben convinces him otherwise as they embark one the greatest road trip either have them have ever experienced. On their road trip they run into Dot (Selena Gomez) who tags along for their trip as the three characters manage to grow and better each other as they tackle issues that have suffocated them their entire lives.

What makes The Fundamentals of Caring such a delight is the incredibly strong performances that lead this powerful and insightful story. Paul Rudd plays the middle-aged man faced with unspeakable tragedy and wants to put his life back in order and does an incredible job. Rudd plays the role with such conviction that it is tough not to be affected. Craig Roberts who has arguably one of the more challenging roles in the Film by having to play a character who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy rather convincingly. Selena Gomez delivers a breakthrough performance that is fearless.

The Fundamentals of Caring is one of the Movies that might fly under the radar for most people this year, but definitely deserves your attention.

Netflix Canada stream The Fundamentals of Caring on Friday, June 24, 2016.