The Fundamentals of Caring

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2:26

The Fundamentals of Caring

TV-MA

2016

1h 33m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

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35 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

A writer (Paul Rudd) retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen's caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their ability to cope is tested as they start to understand the importance of hope and friendship.

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Critics Consensus

The Fundamentals of Caring gets maximum mileage out of the chemistry between its well-matched leads as it follows a fairly well-worn coming-of-age road trip route.

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Tristram Fane Saunders

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Jun 26, 2016

3/5

It's formulaic, sentimental and the cast list includes Selena Gomez. But it's also one of this summer's most enjoyable lightweight comedies.

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Leah Greenblatt

Entertainment Weekly

Jun 23, 2016

B

Death, taxes, the enduring adorability of Paul Rudd: these things, at least, we know for certain.

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Gary Goldstein

Los Angeles Times

Jun 23, 2016

A strained, overly familiar tale of catharsis and redemption.

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Jamie Healy

Radio Times

Aug 22, 2024

3/5

Emotional baggage carried by each of the characters does sometimes threaten to spoil the fun, but director Rob Burnett largely keeps platitudes and sermonising in check, delivering a fist-pumping pay-off that's so unexpected, it's sure to raise a smile.

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Bertie Archer

One Room With A View

Mar 30, 2019

3/5

The Fundamentals of Caring sometimes feels clumsy with two left feet. But the central relationship between Rudd and Roberts shines through...

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Jennifer Heaton

Alternative Lens

Nov 2, 2018

7/10

Fairly standard road trip comedy made enjoyable by some solid gags and a strong cast.

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Ola G

@Ollie1972 Jun 28, 2026

This road comedy-drama film carries this worn out coming-of-age route. The main issue is that Trevor (Craig Roberts), suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, is pretty much an asshole throughout the film and you never feel any real sympathy for him despite his tragic situation. In that sense the script fails with the main pillar of the storyline. And to be honest, Paul Rudd is such a one dimensional actor and he plays the same character over and over again. The lovely Selena Gomez as Dot, is the only one that brings some sort of sparks to this otherwise average, formulaic, sentimental and mundane film.

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Nick P.

@nickpaim May 21, 2026

What began slow, turned into an incredible story of growth and friendship. This movie will teach you a lot about so many things, people of different struggles, and life in general. A good watch for many!

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Mickey B.

@Mickerdoo May 9, 2026

A lovely and dark reminder to indulge in the human experience. Highest highs and deepest pits. Robert’s and Rudd sync well.

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Danny T

@HeyDT May 8, 2026

It’s light, fun, and easy to enjoy. But those dark jokes absolutely killed me. The kind that makes you laugh first… then feel slightly guilty for laughing that hard. Recommended. And as always, Paul Rudd is just so fun to watch.

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Justin K.

@moofieluver999 Mar 14, 2026

The way a movie should make you feel.

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Xian A

@XmanNL Feb 1, 2026

Much better than anticipated. Tender and fun. Pretty predictable but light and enjoyable. The actor in the wheelchair was spectacular and always love Paul Ruud. Clearly not filmed in the NW. We don’t have boiled peanuts there. And no civil war era cemeteries either.

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Rob Burnett

Director

Paul Rudd

Ben Benjamin

Selena Gomez

Dot

Jennifer Ehle

Elsa

Craig Roberts

Trevor

Megan Ferguson

Peaches

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The Fundamentals of Caring: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A writer (Paul Rudd) retires after a personal tragedy and becomes a disabled teen's caregiver. When the two embark on an impromptu road trip, their ability to cope is tested as they start to understand the importance of hope and friendship.

Director: Rob Burnett
Producer: Rob Burnett, Donna Gigliotti, James Spies
Screenwriter: Rob Burnett
Production Co: Levantine Films, Worldwide Pants
Rating: TV-MA
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2017
Runtime: 1h 33m

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