Member review

Captain fantastic is a film that for some reason went under the radar for many filmgoers. With not much of a marketing campaign, no huge names attached and not a big budget to boast, it was always going to be hard to get a big audience. Yet this is a film which deserves much more recognition and notoriety than it currently holds. It was written and directed by Jack Ross and it follows the struggles of Ben (Viggo Mortensen) who has fathered and brought up six children all in the wilderness of America. When their mother dies they must travel out of the tranquil nature they’ve always known to the bustling big city to go to her funeral.

From the word go this film is dripping with heart. Everything from the phenomenal acting performances to the magnificent directing makes it a truly enjoyable watch that anyone with a respect for great films should watch right away. The film is an incredibly personal journey that will entangle all viewers. It will make you rethink things you wouldn't even think twice about. The quality of the writing and dialogue matched with the cinematography by Stephane Fontaine makes a mesmerising piece of cinema that deserves far more recognition.

Without a doubt the best thing about this film is the astonishing acting performances of its young cast. George Mackay (Bo), Annalise Basso (Vespyr), Samantha Isler (Kielyr), Shree Crooks (Zaja), Nicholas Hamilton (Rellian) and Charlie Shotwell (Nai) all amazed me throughout. These are undoubtedly names to remember for the future if they carry on like they are. There wasn’t one acting mishap, they all turned up which made the brilliant script and directing an even more enjoyable experience.

Overall this film is simply a brilliant film, and I implore anyone who hasn’t seen it to watch it. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll enjoy. The perfect recipe for a brilliant film.