The Fundamentals of Caring

The Fundamentals of Caring is an American comedy-drama film released in 2016. Directed by Rob Burnett, it stars an ensemble cast that comprises Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, and Selena Gomez. Rudd effortlessly brings gravitas to his character (Ben Benjamin) with his brilliant performance and is ably supported by Roberts (Trevor) and Gomez (Dot). The film is an adaptation of Jonathan Evison's 2012 novel 'The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving'.

At approximately 97 minutes in length, the movie is an amiable mix of drama, humor, and road-trip episodic adventures that explores the themes of care, friendship, and human connection with a poignancy that is rare to find in the sea of modern-day mass entertainments.

The screen lights up and the narrative moves forward with the story of Ben Benjamin, a retired writer who is weathering a personal crisis. His life takes a dramatic turn when he decides to become a caregiver, despite having no prior experience in the field. His first client ends up being Trevor, a sharp-talking British teenager affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a condition that limits him to a wheelchair and reduces his lifespan considerably.

The duo, despite starting off on a tense note, develop a mutual understanding, and their relationship assumingly transforms from just a caregiver and a ward to a deep bond, akin to a father and son kind of relationship. The film gives a vivid depiction of Trevor’s daily life and how Ben adapts himself to provide the best care possible.

Shortly into Ben's caregiver tenure, he discovers Trevor's wish to see some quirky roadside attractions, which he's always watched on TV but never experienced due to his restricted mobility. Understanding the boy's longing to have some kind of personal adventure, Ben convinces Trevor's overly protective mother to let them embark on a road trip. That is where the bulk of the story unfolds.

As they meander along the roads of the American heartland, they encounter a spate of people who generously contribute to the gamut of experiences that Trevor was longing for. One noteworthy character they come across is Dot, portrayed by Selena Gomez. Dot is a hitchhiker with a fiery spirit and a sharp tongue, who initially rubs Trevor the wrong way but eventually forms a bond with him. The American landscape becomes a backdrop to this cathartically transformative road trip that defines their lives in more ways than one.

The Fundamentals of Caring works as a compelling piece of cinema because it strikes a perfect balance between elements of comedy and drama. It’s a feel-good movie with a generous amount of unexpected humor arising from the unusual situations Ben and Trevor finds themselves in. But it also handles the complexities of its characters with delicate and tender care. The dynamics of the relationships that Ben and Trevor form with others, especially Dot, are not just on the surface level but are explored with subtlety.

Craig Roberts is captivating as Trevor and perfectly captures the frustration, longing, and the desperate need for normalcy in his character. His interactions with Paul Rudd are delightfully witty, light-hearted, poignant, and heart-wrenchingly real, all at the same time. Paul Rudd, on the other hand, brings emotional depth to his portrayal of Ben, and his character’s personal journey over the course of the film is beautifully blended with the narrative.

Selena Gomez, as the runaway Dot, brings a fresh energy to the film, and her character serves as an interesting foil to the two lead characters. The peculiarity of their collective journey comprises many lighthearted moments, profound realizations, and even instances that test their faith in each other.

Overall, The Fundamentals of Caring is a deeply human film that depicts the uncertainties of life eloquently. It offers laughter, adventure, and a slice of tragedy, thereby maintaining a beautiful harmony that's intrinsic to life itself. Offering a heart-rending tale of people trying to find joy, solace, and purpose during their trials and tribulations, it is a film worth investing your time in.