Don’t let the name fool you. “Captain Fantastic” may sound like it belongs in the superhero genre, but in reality, the film is anything but.
Written and directed by Matt Ross, “Captain Fantastic” centers on a family of seven that has discovered a blissful way of life in an isolated area of the Pacific Northwest. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, George MacKay, Annalise Basso, Samantha Isler, Kathryn Hahn, Nicholas Hamilton, and Shree Crooks. Completely unplugged from civilization, Ben Cash, excellently portrayed by Mortensen, chooses to raise his children off the grid, far away from the negative influences of modern society.
Ben always answers his children’s questions about complicated topics and never hides the truth, something seldom seen in modern-day parenting. He also hates anyone that cares about money, religion, or other traditional institutions and has projected his own beliefs onto his children. Ultimately, however, Ben teaches them to be extraordinary adults, where education, intellect, and survival are of high importance.
The opening scene of the movie displays the bloody murder of a deer, that may remind you of “Lord of the Flies.” No processed food or sugar allowed — sounds like Los Angeles, doesn’t it? However, where the Cash family lives is anything but. Despite the fact that this is a shocking and rather disturbing scene, I urge you not to rush to judgement. If you can handle the first five minutes, you will be glad you stayed the entire time, for “Captain Fantastic” progresses into a unique, thought-provoking film.
When a tragedy strikes in the family, they are all forced to abandon their remote paradise and encounter the outside world, filled with money, religion, video games, and fast food. On their lengthy drive to New Mexico, once the Cash children are forced to interact with people outside of their family, everything Ben has ever taught them is suddenly brought into question.
His behavior raises the question of whether or not it is beneficial for kids to be raised in such a natural, isolated environment where they are extremely healthy, book-smart, and strong, or if the bad outweighs the good. What about human interaction skills? Knowing how to place an order at a restaurant? Finding a job? Emotional growth? Meeting new people? Going to college? Starting relationships?
Although he may not be the headlining name of the movie, George MacKay brilliantly plays Bodevan Cash, 18, and ultimately steals the show. While his father continues his rants against capitalism, Bodevan experiences several heartwarming moments of self-discovery, such as when he kisses a girl for the first time.
Despite the fact that he has unconditional love for his father, Bodevan wants to experience a lifestyle different than his own. He wants to attend college and goes behind his father’s back to apply to Ivy League schools. However, MacKay truly wins the audience’s heart with his brilliant comedic timing and facial expressions. His superb acting provides some much-needed laughter to this otherwise dramatic film.
Overall, despite the fact that Ben has deprived his children of certain normalcies, his charming, loving personality ultimately causes the audience to root for his success. The fact that he casually walks into a room wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with “Jesse Jackson ’88” on the front, will be sure to make anyone laugh.
Although there are a handful of loose ends that go unexplained, “Captain Fantastic” is a charmingly off-beat and eccentric movie that will continue to move audiences throughout the country.
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