Thoughts on the film Captain Fantastic
Imagine you get completely isolated from the concrete jungle and you are brought up in an actual jungle, an environment completely disconnected from modern technologies and society; self-schooled by your parent by reading lots and lots of books to gain stupendous knowledge, practicing music, surviving in a forest with just a knife, having the “real” food and sleeping under the stars. This is how Ben Cash parented his six kids in a completely unique manner. And that is what the movie is about…
Today, the boy is dead. And in his place, is a man.
The film starts with the above line, as Bodevan, the eldest of the kids, is rewarded by his father Ben for successfully hunting a deer. Meet the Cash family! Father Ben and six children. Three boys — Bodevan, Nai, and Rellian. Three girls — Zaja, Kielyr, and Vespyr. Ben’s wife, Leslie, and he decide to raise their family deep in the forest. But when Leslie’s mental illness worsens, she is sent back to her parents for proper treatment.
Ben raises his kids without TV, internet, or phones. They run, meditate, study advanced topics, cook, hunt, sing around campfires, and sleep under the stars. They grow their own food, train in survival skills, and live entirely immersed in nature under Ben’s guidance.
But tragedy strikes: Leslie dies by suicide, unable to cope with her bipolar disorder. And that’s where the real story begins.
—SPOILERS AHEAD—
Ben and the kids decide to attend Leslie’s funeral. They learn Leslie wanted to be cremated—not buried—and her father Jack opposes this, threatening legal action if Ben shows up. Initially, Ben stays away but changes his mind and begins a road trip with his kids to fulfill her last wish.
They visit Ben’s sister Harper, who believes the kids should receive “normal” schooling. Ben challenges this by having his daughter Zaja outshine Harper’s kids in a quick Q&A, proving their education is rich and deep.
Meanwhile, Bodevan and Rellian begin to question Ben’s choices. Bodevan worries they aren’t prepared for the real world. Rellian blames Ben for Leslie’s death. Ben begins to doubt himself and leaves the children with their grandparents. But the kids feel alien in the suburban setting, sneak back to their bus, and rejoin their father.
Together, they cremate Leslie’s body and flush her ashes, as she wanted—while singing “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, a deeply moving moment.
youtube:https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHSk606yFas
Few thoughts on the film (from my very own perspective)
“We have to do what we’re told. Some fights, you can’t win. The powerful control the lives of the powerless. That’s the way the world works. It’s unjust and it’s unfair. But that’s just too damn bad. We have to shut up and accept it.”
Always be truthful (Honesty): Ben encourages honesty in his children—even when the truth is hard.
Understand, don’t memorize: Ben teaches his kids to understand, not cram. Zaja’s ability to explain complex political theories shows how effective that is.
“He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.”
Be prepared for anything: Jungle life teaches the kids how to survive in unpredictable, high-stakes situations.
Eat healthy, stay fit: Junk food is banned. Ben refers to cola as “poison water.” Mornings start with running, exercise, and farm-fresh food.
“What’s a Cola? Poison water.”
Read Books: Books are central. Real knowledge comes from them.
“A mind needs books, like a sword needs a whetstone.”
Be Yourself: In one climbing scene, when Rellian is injured, Ben says:
“There’s no cavalry. No one will magically appear and save you in the end.”
Spend time with nature: Living close to nature brings clarity, peace, and purpose.
Respect your parents: Ben’s dedication to his children is touching. His values are simple and profound.
“When you have sex with a woman, be gentle and listen to her. Treat her with respect and dignity even if you don’t love her. Always tell the truth. Always take the high road. Live each day like it could be your last…”
Respect people who strive for goodness: When asked why they celebrate Noam Chomsky’s birthday instead of Christmas, Ben replies:
“You would prefer to celebrate a magical fictitious elf, instead of a living humanitarian who’s done so much to promote human rights and understanding?”
Achieve your goal: Their mission to fulfill Leslie’s last wish, despite obstacles, is a powerful metaphor for purpose and perseverance.
Matt Ross’s direction is brilliant. The story, screenplay, performances, and philosophy behind Captain Fantastic make it unforgettable. It reminded me of The Kings of Summer, Little Miss Sunshine, and Into the Wild.
It’s a movie I revisit often, not just for entertainment, but to become a better version of myself.
“If you assume that there is no hope, you guarantee that there will be no hope. If you assume that there is an instinct for freedom, that there are opportunities to change things, then there is a possibility that you can contribute to making a better world.” — Noam Chomsky