Our take
The Fundamentals of Caring is an offbeat comedy/drama starring Paul Rudd as a man attempting to overcome his looming divorce by becoming the caretaker for a teenager with muscular dystrophy (Craig Roberts, Submarine). The two develop an unconventional relationship based largely on sarcasm and profanity, delivering many laugh-out-loud moments, while also slowly exposing the pain each is carrying inside.
Together, at Ben’s urging, they embark on a road trip across the western United States for Craig to see the world. It’s somewhat formulaic but fun and touching road movie that covers much familiar ground, but also offers a fine illustration of caregiving, personal growth, and emotional healing. Paul Rudd is as good ever, and Roberts is utterly superb. One of the best movies on the Netflix Originals catalog, and an undeniable winner, all-in-all.
The story
Having suffered a tragedy, Ben becomes a caregiver to earn money. His first client, Trevor, is a hilarious 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy. One paralyzed emotionally, one paralyzed physically, Ben and Trevor hit the road on a trip into the western states. The folks they collect along the way will help them test their skills for surviving outside their calculated existence. Together, they come to understand the importance of hope and the necessity of true friendship.
Elsewhere
"With material this familiar, casting is crucial. And Burnett has a pair of aces up his sleeve in Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts ..."
— Geoff Berkshire
Who picked it
Jamie Rutherford is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, with film reviews spanning a wide range of genres and eras. Their work on the site has covered titles from Behind the Candelabra to Last Days in Vietnam to Love is Strange.
Great movie, leaves you thinking for a long time after. Its great when you’re feeling lonely it gives you another perspective of life from someone else’s point of view. Would definitely watch this movie again. It’s inspiring.
Laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes crude, often touching. A profane young man (Craig Roberts) is confined to a wheelchair. His caregiver (Paul Rudd), who is nursing a heartbreak, set out on a cross-country trip.
Funny, touching, and simple. Paul Rudd is in his element as a dad dealing with tragedy. Great movie.
A nice movie. It’s melodrama-free which I appreciated given the subject matter. I found the ending a little bit premature but oh well.