Based on Jonathan Evison’s novel,The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving,The Fundamentals of Caringreminds people that someone can always put a positive spin on a bad situation. Trevor (Craig Roberts), a rather snarky and cynical teenager, was diagnosed withDuchenne Muscular Dystrophyand must have around-the-clock care. Ben (Paul Rudd), having recently completed the brief course to become a caregiver, is hired to assist Trevor with all of his daily needs while his single mother is at work. After Ben realizes that Trevor’s routine has essentially hindered the teen’s curiosity for life outside his home, he devises a plan to help Trevor experience incredible things.
With a lot of hesitation, a detailed outline of their trip, and Trevor’s mother’s permission, the two guys set out ona road tripto see the bestroadside attractions in America. Little did either know, they would experience so much more than gas station food and lengthy conversations. Rudd is the ultimate caregiver inThe Fundamentals of Caringbecause he does so much more than expected, and he does it with equal parts sarcasm and class.
Matches His Client’s Energy
When Ben arrives for an interview, Trevor’s mother, Elsa, is doubtful that he will be a good fit for her son. Trevor suddenly comes in making a scene by groaning and acting like he has lost his ability to steer his motorized chair. After Elsa tells him to stop his act, he begins firing off questions to a rather confused Ben. When Trevor asks Ben, “How exactly would you wipe my ass?”, Ben answers with, “I’d wipe it in such a way that when I was done, there would be no shit left on your ass.” That statement not only gets Ben the job, but he earns Trevor’s respect for not backing down from his own sardonic manner.
Over the course of the next several weeks, Ben proceeds to match Trevor’s sarcastic attitude. Instead of making himself seem like an upright guy who can simply ignore rude comments, he finds it better for both himself and Trevor to reciprocate the snide commentary. Elsa does not scold Ben for this approach. Instead, she seems approving and even impressed that Trevor is able to bond so well with him. Unfortunately, knowing Ben will not be around forever, she warns him not to get too close to Trevor.
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Encourages Trevor to Leave His Comfort Zone
When the two embark on their road trip, Trevor is understandably hesitant to see what happens when his routine is broken. Ben, however, constantly reassures him that everything will be fine with his medicine, the experience, and the new food he will try. When the pair is outside a gas station, Ben encourages Trevor to speak to an attractive girl, Dot (played by Selena Gomez). The conversation does not go well, and Ben gets to witness Trevor in a very vulnerable state. At first, he makes fun of him for not being his confident self in front of girls his own age, but later, when another opportunity arises, Ben genuinely helps Trevor overcome his own fear.
The pair sees the same girl trying to hitch a ride, and Ben encourages Trevor to ask her to eat lunch with them. Trevor tries to overcome his social anxiety, but he fails. Ben then goes out of his way to ask the girl to join them for the meal, and he says he will take her where she needs to go. From that point on, Ben understands he will be the butt of the teenagers' jokes, but seeing Trevor get out of his own comfort zone is worth the temporary mocking.
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Does Not Limit His Caring Nature
Given that Ben was hired as a caregiver, there is a certain amount of care that is expected. Some individuals in this position only care enough to do the bare minimum for their client so that they can later collect a paycheck. Some caregivers overstep boundaries and become smothering with their savior-like complex for helping a person. Ben, however, is the type of man who shows that he cares about someone through his actions rather than his words. He does not expect thanks, nor does he feel the need to point out when he is going out of his way to help others.
When Ben, Trevor, and Dot are on the road, they pick up a pregnant woman named Peaches (Megan Ferguson) whose car broke down. The foursome goes to the world’s deepest pit together, and Ben ends up delivering Peaches' baby. While also at the attraction, Ben confronts a man who has been following them in an unmarked car for hundreds of miles. The man admits that he is Dot’s father, and he was just making sure Dot was safe. Ben tells the man that Dot has been safe with them the whole time, and he can continue to tail them all the way to Denver. The girls go their own separate ways, and Ben finds himself satisfied for being able to help.
