Review of Captain Fantastic (2016) by Andrew J — 18 Jun 2018

2016 was an interesting year. Many people in America feel pretty divided. Some are scared, or angry or simply apathetic. I don't think this movie is the one you watch if you're necessarily looking to escape from those feelings. Viggo Mortensen plays a father who has created a sanctuary where he and his 6 children live off the grid in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. The mission for he and his wife (who is currently seeking medical treatment in the city) was to raise a family of "philosopher kings". They hunt, they train, the have deep discussions about literature and culture, and while all of the children are incredibly bright, none of them have the capability to interact socially in the world where the rest of us live.

As they travel into society questions begin to be raised about if the kids are actually better off. Some of them struggle with not being able to live the lives of normal Americans, and an interesting thought is realized by their father. Regardless of the disdain he has for capitalist society, has he done his children a disservice by keeping them removed from it.

The acting is tremendous by Viggo, Frank Langella, and others, but the kids are so perfectly charming and wild and fun.