Captain Fantastic is a 2016 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Matt Ross. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, and Steve Zahn.
Synopsis
The story centers on Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen), his wife Leslie, and their six children, who live an isolated existence in the wilderness of Washington state. Ben and Leslie are former left-wing anarchist activists disillusioned with capitalism and American society, who raise their children to be survivalists, critical thinkers, physically fit, and self-reliant without modern technology. The children are educated at home with college-level literature and philosophy, celebrate Noam Chomsky's birthday instead of Christmas, and have no contact with the outside world.
When Leslie, who has been hospitalized for bipolar disorder, dies by suicide, Ben learns that his father-in-law Jack (Frank Langella) plans to hold a Christian burial despite Leslie's wish to be cremated. Jack threatens to have Ben arrested if he attends the funeral. Ben initially decides not to go but changes his mind, driving his children across the country on a repurposed school bus. This journey forces the family to confront the outside world and leads to conflicts over Ben's parenting methods, culminating in a custody battle with Leslie's parents.
Cast
- Viggo Mortensen as Ben Cash
- Frank Langella as Jack Bertrang
- Kathryn Hahn as Harper
- Steve Zahn as Dave
- George MacKay as Bodevan Cash
- Samantha Isler as Kielyr Cash
- Annalise Basso as Vespyr Cash
- Nicholas Hamilton as Rellian Cash
- Shree Crooks as Zaja Cash
- Charlie Shotwell as Nai Cash
- Ann Dowd as Abigail Bertrang
Production
The film was conceived by Matt Ross as he began questioning his own parenting choices. Ross drew autobiographical elements from being raised in alternative-living communities. Principal photography began in July 2014 in Western Washington, with additional photography in Portland, Oregon, and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Release
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2016. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where Ross won the Best Director prize. The film was theatrically released in the United States on July 8, 2016, by Bleecker Street.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on 229 reviews, with the critical consensus stating: "Captain Fantastic's thought-provoking themes—and an absorbing starring turn from Viggo Mortensen—add up to an above-average family drama with unexpected twists." On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 72 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
The film grossed approximately $5.9 million in the United States and Canada and $22.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $5 million.
Accolades
Viggo Mortensen was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his performance. The film was named one of the top ten independent films of 2016 by the National Board of Review.
