Zak (Zack Gottsagen) is a young man with Down’s syndrome, who is currently residing in an old people’s home as the State has no where else suitable to place him. He dreams of escaping to Salt Water Redneck’s (Thomas Haden Church) wrestling school which he has seen advertised on the VHS cassettes he watches at the home. With the help of fellow resident Carl (Bruce Dern) he escapes and teams up with another fugitive from justice Tyler (Shia LeBeouf) for a Huckleberry Finn-esque journey. Whilst Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), an employee of the home tries to track him down.

As Tyler and Zak bond on their journey we learn about the troubles that have brought them there and see how they aid each other in healing and moving on with the next step in their lives. Tyler misses his brother (who we see in flashbacks played by Jon Bernthal) and Zak becomes a friend that he has not had since his death. Whilst Zak has been abandoned by his family and finds a supportive and caring substitute in Tyler.

The acting performances are absolutely superb and completely endearing to the life affirming spirit of the film. Shia LeBeouf once again proves that when he selects the more quirky independent challenging roles he has in the last few years that he is a brilliantly talented actor. Zack Gottsagen is great in his debut feature film as well. Whilst Thomas Haden Church probably gets to deliver the absolutely greatest feel good moment in movies that I have seen in a long time. It put the biggest smile on my face and made my eyes fill. Just to underline how good everyone is, Bernthal who appears for less than five minutes is able to make a searing mark on the picture.

Set in the swamps of North Carolina with a bluegrass soundtrack it is also visually and aurally stunning. Shots of the gang drifting down the waterways on a barge allude to a simpler more joyful time.

The film has a lot to say about ableism and supporting each other as well and it does so in a way that really makes you think about the way you behave towards others is as important as the words that you say.

The Peanut Butter Falcon is an absolutely glorious film that (forgive the pun) truly soars. The entire film is a heart warming and life affirming spectacle that will make you laugh and cry and make your heart swell. An absolute must watch.