The clichés in this movie are enacted in a good cause. Gottsagen, who is in his early 30s, has Down syndrome himself and the filmmakers crafted “The Peanut Butter Falcon” specifically for him. Zak takes frequent pratfalls and is often seen in various un-self-conscious states of undress, but the movie never makes him a figure of fun. Neither, by the same token, does it try to wrench sentimental tears out of his condition. They make his character a little guy with a big heart, and big dreams — you’ve heard of such figures, I suppose — and let him have his hero’s journey.

Which is, yes, predictable. But I suspect almost nobody who sees “The Peanut Butter Falcon” will mind much. Along with the cinematographer, Nigel Bluck, and the editors, Kevin Tent and Nathaniel Fuller, the directors achieve a relaxed and amiable vibe while moving the story forward with dispatch through picturesque Southern Atlantic land and seascapes.

And Gottsagen is a disarming performer who creates a sweet and funny character. As storytellers, Nilson and Schwartz are careful to cover their bases — an early reference to Eleanor being a woman of independent means helps the film’s finale go down easier, plausibility-wise — but the center of their film is completely without contrivance.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Rated PG-13 for pratfalls, shenanigans, language. Running time: 1 hour 33 minutes.