The Fundamentals of Caring

The Fundamentals of Caring poster

The Fundamentals of Caring is a 2016 American drama film directed by Rob Burnett and based on the 2012 novel The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison. The film stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, and Selena Gomez and follows the story of a retired writer named Ben Benjamin (played by Rudd) who becomes a caregiver to Trevor (played by Roberts), a young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As they embark on a road trip to see the world's deepest pit, they form an unlikely friendship and meet various people along the way, including a runaway named Dot (played by Gomez).

Plot

Ben Benjamin, seeking a new career path after a tragic loss, enrolls in a caregiving course and is hired to care for Trevor, an 18-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Despite Trevor's sarcastic and challenging demeanor, Ben is determined to break through his walls. They embark on a road trip to visit roadside attractions, including the world's deepest pit, which Trevor has always wanted to see. Along the way, they pick up Dot, a hitchhiking runaway with her own set of issues, and later, a pregnant woman named Peaches. The journey becomes a transformative experience for everyone involved, teaching them about the importance of hope, friendship, and the ability to care for others.

Cast

• Paul Rudd as Ben Benjamin
• Craig Roberts as Trevor
• Selena Gomez as Dot
• Jennifer Ehle as Elsa
• Megan Ferguson as Peaches

Production

The film was directed by Rob Burnett, who also adapted the screenplay from Jonathan Evison's novel. The production of The Fundamentals of Caring involved filming in various locations to capture the essence of the road trip that lies at the heart of the story. The casting of Paul Rudd, known for his comedic roles, in a more dramatic role was a notable aspect of the film's production.

Reception

Upon its release, The Fundamentals of Caring received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast, particularly Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts, and the chemistry between the characters. However, some critics noted that the film adheres to certain road trip and buddy film clichés. Despite this, the film was appreciated for its heartwarming narrative and the way it handles themes of caregiving, friendship, and personal growth.

Themes

The film explores several themes, including the impact of caregiving on both the caregiver and the recipient, the journey of personal growth through adversity, and the formation of unlikely friendships. It also touches on the idea of finding humor and joy in life's challenges.