The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

The Fundamentals of Caring Poster

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.

Film Overview
"The Fundamentals of Caring" launched in 2016 is an American comedy-drama, directed and composed by Rob Burnett. The movie is based on "The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving", an unique by Jonathan Evison. It features top stars Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, and Selena Gomez in crucial functions.

Plot Summary
The story follows Ben (Paul Rudd), a retired author dealing with the grief of losing his child, and a divorce. He ends up being a caretaker, regardless of having no relevant experience, only to earn some living. Ben ends up being the caregiver to Trevor (Craig Roberts), a young person battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe kind of muscular dystrophy characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. In spite of his crucial condition, Trevor has a wicked sense of humor, and together they embark on an informing journey.

Character Development and Relationships
The relationship between Ben and Trevor evolves from simple caregiver and patient to that of trust, companionship, and shared experiences. Ben realizes that Trevor's life has been restricted to the same routine daily, with his home and the local park being his only world. Figured out to reveal Trevor a few of the "lamest roadside tourist attractions", they set off on a trip. The film shows the obstacles of Trevor's disease and Ben's personal past, well-balanced with humor and wit.

Throughout their journeys, they meet a hitchhiker, Dot (Selena Gomez), an outspoken runaway heading to Denver, who eventually ends up being an integral part of their journey, adding more depth to the plot. Trevor, fascinated and eventually smitten by Dot's fierce and independent nature, experiences a rush of emotions he's not had prior to. The closeness that develops between them shows the psychological development in Trevor, thanks to his journey and budding relationships.

Conclusion and Message
In the climax, the movie illustrates a reality-check situation where Trevor's health worsens, and audiences see the susceptible side of the characters. From this point forward, the theme of understanding the value and depth of human relationships intensifies. Ben faces his reduced pain, and Trevor realizes the value of people around him. Regardless of the odds, they continue their journey, living a few of the most remarkable moments.

"The Fundamentals of Caring" is not about the duo reaching a specific location. Rather, their trip works as a metaphor for the characters facing their fears and convictions and overcoming psychological difficulties in their life. It underlines the essence of life-- living every moment to the max. The motion picture sends out across a powerful message of hope, relationship, and coping mechanisms. It magnificently illustrates how empathy, understanding, and caring can change lives and heal in methods medical science can not.

Overall, "The Fundamentals of Caring" is a heartwarming story that cleverly weaves laughter, tears, and a sense of deep understanding of the human spirit, making it an uplifting and extraordinary journey for its audience.

Top Cast

  • Paul Rudd (small)
    Paul Rudd
    Ben Benjamin
  • Craig Roberts (small)
    Craig Roberts
    Trevor Conklin
  • Selena Gomez (small)
    Selena Gomez
    Dot
  • Jennifer Ehle (small)
    Jennifer Ehle
    Elsa Conklin
  • Megan Ferguson (small)
    Megan Ferguson
    Peaches
  • Frederick Weller (small)
    Frederick Weller
    Bob Richardson
  • Julia Denton (small)
    Julia Denton
    Janet
  • Alex Huff (small)
    Alex Huff
    Jodi Benjamin
  • Samantha Huskey (small)
    Samantha Huskey
    Kaitlin
  • Bill Murphey (small)
    Bill Murphey
    Mike
  • Alan Boell (small)
    Alan Boell
    Courier