I’d been eyeing this movie for a long time before I finally got around to watching it. Not many people know this about me, but I’m actually a pretty big fan of Selena Gomez (as an actress and a person… not so much her music). With her being in it, I always knew I wanted to watch it, but it took me a while. In a way I’m glad it did because I ended up watching it with my mom and sister one night, which was the best possible way to have seen it. We all laughed and cried together and it was a great girls night in.
I found the story to be a very original and unique take on the whole coming-of-age thing. It was funny, kind of sad, and a little in your face – which I actually really loved.
Plot
The movie starts out by showing us Ben, a retired writer in need of a new job. He takes a quick, six-week course in order to become a caregiver. Upon completion of the course he begins seeking a job, and it isn’t too long before he comes across Elsa and her son Trevor. Elsa is more than a little concerned by the fact that Ben has no prior experience, but being a little desperate, decides to give him a shot. Trevor is in a wheelchair and suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrohpy. He is not exactly easy to handle.
Trevor is rude and sarcastic, with a bit of a mean streak as well. He feels quite sorry for himself. He does not like to deviate from his routine, and he deliberately makes things as difficult as possible for Ben.
Ben sees something in Trevor though, and he wants to help him. He wants him to come out of his shell and enjoy life a little more. He decides to indulge Trevor’s fascination with roadside attractions, and suggests they go on a road trip to see some of them – ending with Trevor’s favourite: The world’s deepest pit.
The trip ends up being a real roller coaster for both of them. Trevor decides he wants to track down his long-lost father, and he also meets a cute, mysterious, rebellious girl along the way. It’s a real whirlwind of adventure, enlightenment, and change.
Seriously Awesome Characters
This movie has a great cast of really interesting, dynamic characters. Trevor is clever, witty, and seriously hilarious. He is also sensitive, troubled, and a little lost. He really just wants to connect with someone, he just has such a hard time doing it.
Ben is quite troubled himself. He is still dealing with a lot of personal demons when he meets Trevor, and he gets as much happiness and healing out of the trip as Trevor does, if not more.
Dot is really something else. A young, foul-mouthed girl on the run from a life that she thinks she doesn’t want. She’s got sass, attitude, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind and tell it to you like it is. Side note – it was super weird to see Selena Gomez swearing so much, because my first experience with her was on Disney Channel! The first time she dropped an F-bomb, I won’t lie, I was in shock for a few moments. It really took some getting used to, but to be honest I think it only added to the hilarity of it all.
The relationships the three of them develop with each other is really incredible too. They bond in ways that you only can on an impromptu road trip with strangers. Had the three of them met under more “normal” circumstances, they likely would not have developed the connections that they did, and despite the age gap between Ben and Trevor/Dot, they all help each other in more ways than they’d perhaps even admit.
So Touching
I’m always a real sucker for movies like this. The dramatic, coming of age type of story, filled with meaningful relationships and self-discovery. I’m not a very picky person and I tend to enjoy pretty much any that I watch, but I can honestly say this one was special. I can’t put my finger on anything exactly, I just found it to be a little bit above average, and I really loved it. Perhaps it was the shock value of the things that Trevor does. Perhaps it is the odds-defying relationship that is forged between Dot and Trevor. Whatever it is, this movie is special. If you want a good laugh, a good cry, and a bit of a life lesson all in one movie, this one is for you. It has certainly made me want to check out the book too, at some point.
Want to Watch?
The movie is currently only available to watch on Netflix, as is typical of Netflix originals, but you can get the book on Amazon if you’re interested!
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