Captain Fantastic (film)

Captain Fantastic is a 2016 American independent drama film written and directed by Matt Ross. The film stars Viggo Mortensen as Ben Cash, a father who raises his six children in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, far from societal norms. The film explores themes of family, nature, education, societal expectations, and the challenges of unconventional parenting.

Plot Summary

Ben Cash, a fiercely independent and unconventional father, raises his six children – Bodevan, Kielyr, Vespyr, Zaja, Nai, and Rellian – off the grid in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. They live a self-sufficient life, practicing survival skills, studying philosophy and literature, and generally shunning mainstream society. The family's isolated life is disrupted when Ben's wife, Leslie, dies. This prompts a difficult journey as the family travels to attend her funeral, forcing them to confront the complexities of the outside world and the conflicting ideals of their upbringing. The film depicts the clashes between Ben's fiercely independent parenting style and the expectations of mainstream society, ultimately exploring the meanings of family, love, and the search for happiness.

Cast

• Viggo Mortensen as Ben Cash
• Frank Langella as Jack
• Kathryn Hahn as Harper
• George MacKay as Bodevan Cash
• Samantha Isler as Kielyr Cash
• Annalise Basso as Vespyr Cash
• Shree Crooks as Zaja Cash
• Nicholas Hamilton as Nai Cash
• Charlie Shotwell as Rellian Cash

Themes

• Unconventional Parenting: The film centers on Ben's unconventional approach to raising his children, emphasizing self-sufficiency, critical thinking, and a rejection of consumerism.
• Nature vs. Society: A central conflict is the clash between the family's isolated, nature-based life and the complexities and pressures of modern society.
• Grief and Loss: The death of Leslie is a catalyst for the family's journey and forces them to confront grief and loss in their own way.
• Family Dynamics: The film explores the dynamics within the unconventional family unit, showcasing both the strengths and the challenges of their lifestyle.
• Education and Philosophy: The film highlights Ben's commitment to educating his children through unconventional methods, emphasizing critical thinking, philosophy, and literature over traditional schooling.

Reception

''Captain Fantastic'' received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The film was praised for its performances, particularly Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Ben Cash, its thoughtful exploration of complex themes, and its unique storytelling. It garnered several award nominations, including several nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards.

Production

The film was shot primarily on location in the state of Washington. Matt Ross, the director, has stated that he was inspired by his own childhood experiences and upbringing in developing the film's story and themes.