Zak is a young man with down syndrome living in a residential nursing community, his best friend is octogenarian Karl.
Tyler, is a 30 something ‘nomad’ who lives on both the mean streets, and also the rivers of North Carolina.
When Zak escapes his “prison” in order to go to the wrestling school of his wresting idol “Salt Water Redneck”, he meets up with Tyler – who directionless offers to take him there.
They must contend with life, the residents of the states they travel through, and Zak’s eager Caregiver Eleanore, who is desperate to get him back to where he belongs.
Direction
Directed by the screenwriters, Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz.
Wonderfully simplistic, focusing on the countryside of the ‘South’, with strong attention to narrative and character.
Cast/Characters
Shai LaBeouf plays Tyler. He has an almost ‘anti hero’ type feel to him.
Dakota Johnson plays Eleanore. Despite some not as well depicted narrative moments, she does a great job.
Zack Gottsagen plays Zak, is the MVP, as the young man with down syndrome, wanting more from his life.
Supporting cast members are strong here, with such names as Bruce Dern (as Karl), Jon Bernthal (as Tyler’s brother in flashback form), Thomas Hayden Church (as Salt Water Redneck), and Jon Hawkes (as Duncan).
Breakdown
You wouldn’t think a movie ‘starring’ Shia LeBeouf and Dakota Johnson would have the following write up… but it does. Both are well cast, and give great performances with what they are given. Both are traditionally unlikable due to either past performances or off screen antics.
There are some downs when it comes to the ‘character’ of Tyler. When we meet him, he is stealing crabs from crab trays, and then when he is accosted over it – burns down the tools/gear of those he stole from (Duncan). This was odd, as he will go onto be Zak’s “person” throughout the film, and he is never really held accountable for his actions.
Eleanore’s narrative arc is odd too. She is written as almost cold, by the book, and too the minute in her first moments. She eventually meets up with Zak and Tyler (referencing their adventures to Lord of the Flies) on their travels, and the free spirited Tyler helps her “let go” (figuratively and literally while jumping into a lake). After this she becomes just as free spirited as Tyler – even protesting to her bosses that Zak will now be going to a more hardened community home. I also found the addition of her revelation she is a widow a throwaway line that didn’t add anything to the depth of her character as it was neither mentioned before – or after this.
I really enjoyed the bond that Tyler and Zak share. While it is somewhat unrealistic in reality – it works for the film. They both seem to ‘need’ someone. Tyler is the first person to seemingly treat Zak like a real person, and Tyler is missing the —– since the death of his brother. This story point is done very briefly in flashbacks that show that Tyler is somewhat responsible for his death.
They have some wonderful moments together, especially when they are going down the river on the “Huck Finn” type boat that are quite heart warming (like when Zak promises to give Tyler his birthday wishes).
The final arc, where Zak etc finally reach Salt Water Redneck, but he has long since shut his school and retired his alter ego. He then brings back SWR in order to give Zak his dream, and then reliving his own glory days. I wished they gave more time with him, just because Thomas Hayden Church gives such a nuanced performance.
I loved the score, with several key moments including the boat chase near the beginning.
Overall
Despite some of the unrealistic adventures that the boys get up to, the rushed change of characters personality – I really enjoyed this one. Great performances from the leads, as well as secondary cast members.
A strong recommend.
4/5
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