The Peanut Butter Falcon
The Peanut Butter Falcon is a heartwarming adventure-drama film that tells the story of Zak (played by Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. Zak lives in a nursing home in North Carolina, despite being young and yearning for independence. One night, he seizes the opportunity to escape the facility to pursue his dream of attending the wrestling school of his idol, The Salt Water Redneck (played by Thomas Haden Church).
On his journey, Zak meets Tyler (played by Shia LaBeouf), a troubled fisherman who is on the run after committing a minor crime. Though reluctant at first, Tyler becomes Zakβs travel companion, and the two form an unlikely bond. Together, they embark on a journey down the waterways of the American South, evading capture while experiencing a series of misadventures and forging a deep friendship. Their road trip is filled with humor, danger, and heartfelt moments as Tyler helps Zak train to become “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” his chosen wrestling persona.
Meanwhile, Eleanor (played by Dakota Johnson), a kind-hearted caregiver from Zakβs nursing home, is sent to find him. As she tracks Zak down, she becomes part of the adventure and discovers a new understanding of his dreams and desires. The film celebrates the importance of friendship, the power of acceptance, and the strength found in pursuing oneβs dreams against all odds.