The Fundamentals of Caring

balancing humor with themes of loss, growth, and unlikely friendship. The story follows Ben, a retired writer turned caregiver, and Trevor, a sarcastic young man with muscular dystrophy, as they embark on a road trip that brings in unexpected characters and quirky adventures. The plot is engaging enough and moves at a good pace, never dragging or overstaying its welcome. That said, while the premise has plenty of potential for emotional resonance, the film often plays it safe. The characters feel underdeveloped, with their backstories only lightly touched upon, leaving little room for deeper connection. The emotional beats—particularly those meant to highlight grief, acceptance, and vulnerability—come across as somewhat forced rather than naturally earned. As a result, moments that should be impactful end up feeling more like narrative checkboxes. What does work is the humor. The banter between Ben and Trevor carries much of the film, and there’s a charm in its lighter, comedic tone. It’s accessible and easy to watch, but it doesn’t linger in memory. Overall, The Fundamentals of Caring is a good, light-hearted, one-time watch—but it falls short of its emotional potential. 2.5/5 stars.