The Peanut Butter Falcon

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.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:21