Review of Captain Fantastic (2016) by Tony B — 04 Apr 2017

An indie film is a (usually) low budget, unpopular, and unconventional film. Essentially, it's not going to be recognized by the masses, at least in the beginning of it's lifetime. Captain Fantastic could not be any more indie if it tried: it's attack on what is considered conventional behavior, and an attack on America's own vanity.

Ben (Viggo Mortensen) has been raising his kids with his wife in the wilderness for a decade, shielding them from the media that younger generations are exposed to. In turn, they're all incredibly well-read with Olympian bodies and a raw outlook on life.

Viggo Mortensen's bravura is entrancing, and the children are all excellent as well. With sweeping vistas of northwest America and a stunning soundtrack, it's also a technical achievement. The ideals presented here made me question my own ways of life, and these are the most valuable kinds of films.

Captain Fantastic is a beautiful and sobering film that made me laugh and cry at the same time, and I'm so thankful that it was made.