Film review - The Peanut Butter Falcon

Now that I am home again after 5 months in orthopedic rehab and having a brief hospitalization for gallbladder surgery, I am back to watching movies again. When asked about my hobbies, I have sometimes answered that I am a bit of a film buff.

Watching movies and reading good books serves me well in learning more about human nature, life, and the world we are living in. This understanding and appreciation not only serves me well personally, but helps me be more empathic, understanding and compassionate in my work as a Social Worker. I am reminded of this benefit of watching movies when two days ago I stumbled across “The Peanut Butter Falcon” on the Video Prime streaming service.

The Peanut Butter Falcon is a movie about Zak, a man with Down Syndrome living in a nursing home, who escapes and meets up with a small-time thief on the lame, Tyler. An unlikely pair, they become buddies and Tyler helps Zak realize his dream of becoming a Professional Wrestler by training at the wrestling school run by the Salt Water Redneck. 

This movie is funny as well as poignant as the friendship develops and the adventure proceeds. 

Can people with developmental disabilities have high quality lives? Absolutely yes as demonstrated by the activities depicted in the movie. Is our society better because of the inclusion of people who are neurodiverse? Yes, again. The proof? Watch the movie and decide.