Ben and Leslie Cash are raising their six children in the woods of the Pacific Northwest as off the grid as they are capable. The children are provided with all of the life skills and education that they need, and then some. Survivalist techniques are balanced with literature and political theory lessons. The family celebrates Noam Chomsky Day, in honor of the noted activist, as an alternative to holidays like Christmas. The opening sequence provides us with a sense that this is not only a reasonable environment in which to raise children, but preferable. Their life appears to be idyllic. But when mentally ill Leslie (Trin Miller), whom we only see in flashbacks, takes her own life, Ben (Viggo Mortensen), against his better judgement, takes the children on a road trip to attend her funeral, despite protests from her family.
Captain Fantastic is a smart and heartwarming film, that raises some deep and meaningful questions about our society. By the midway point in the film, I found myself questioning my own skills as a parent. Have I become victim to society’s status quo? Am I raising my children to become mindless slaves to America’s self indulgent materialism, as Ben preaches? Mortensen delivers Ben’s message so earnestly and so convincingly that I believe even those most opposed to the viewpoints would give them a second consideration. As the film progresses, however, writer director Matt Ross brilliantly begins to slowly reveal that those convictions, and the environment in which the children are being raised, though good intended, may not provide everything that the children need. Both viewpoints are represented, allowing the audience to explore the merits, and downfalls, of both.
Mortensen gives an extraordinary performance here. While struggling with the loss of his wife, Ben is desperately trying to ensure that the children do not succumb to the allure of “the real world,” as he is also faced with the moral dilemma of honoring Leslie’s last wishes, despite the possibility of losing the children in the process. Mortensen masterfully internalizes Ben’s conflicting emotions in his performance. The film is supported by a handful of other strong performances as well. Steve Zahn, Kathryn Hahn and Frank Langella stand out as Ben’s well intended in-laws, as does George MacKay as the eldest Cash child, who strives on the lifestyle and education that has been provided to him, but secretly earns for something more.
Unfortunately, the film begins to fall apart a bit in the third act, and it’s resolution is obvious to everyone except the characters in the film. Ross also leaves a few plot threads unresolved, and although they are minor, it does tarnish the ending a bit. The film also suffers from over sentimentality at times, and key scenes play out as emotionally manipulative. Throughout most of the film I felt I was watching an early contender for a Best Film nomination come Oscar season, but after the film ended I wasn’t quite sure (though I will be surprised if Mortensen isn’t nominated for Best Actor).
Despite it’s flaws, Captain Fantastic is a compelling and emotionally rewarding film aided by incredibly strong performances, and is a much needed reprieve from the summer movie blockbusters.