By Benjamin, Grade 9
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) is a heartwarming film that combines humor and genuine human emotion in an unforgettable adventure.
The movie follows Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome—who was abandoned by his family at a young age and sent to a nursing home—has aspirations to be a professional wrestler. After escaping from the nursing home with finesse, he soon crosses paths with Tyler, a small-time fisherman and criminal on the run. The two of them form an unlikely bond as they travel together to pursue Zak’s wrestling dream. Eleanor, Zak’s caretaker, initially sees Zak as vulnerable, needing protection rather than independence. Tasked with bringing him back, she eventually tracks him down and attempts to take Zak back, but ends up being drawn into their adventure.
What really struck me about this film was how it reminds me of a modern-day Mark Twain novel, most specifically relating to Huckleberry Finn. They hold similarities in the plot, such as their southern settings and how they relate to escaping from the constraints of society. In the same way Jim and Huck Finn traverse the Mississippi River in Huckleberry Finn, Zak and Tyler drift down the waterways and backroads of the South. To add on, both duos aim to escape the conformities placed upon them by society, whilst having memorable adventures. Jim escapes society out of fear of enslavement, while Finn simply dislikes the limitations society places on him. Likewise, Zak escapes from a nursing home he is forced to spend his days in, while Tyler also criticizes societal norms.
Zak faces discrimination many times along his journey, frequently being perceived by others as incapable of achieving his dream. Despite this, Zak keeps his head held high, not letting any of that negativity influence him. This film is a reminder to all that you should never let anybody hinder the pursuit of your dreams. Individuals with Down Syndrome are no less capable than anyone else, and should be seen for their strengths, not their limitations!
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