Runtime: 1h 38m
Release Date: November 1, 2024 (United States)
Language: English
Country of Origin: United States
Director: Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger
Writer: Luke Paradise
Production Companies: Balboa Productions, Great Mountain
Story
“Lost on a Mountain in Maine” is a moving adaptation of the well-known novel that follows 12-year-old Donn Fendler’s terrifying but ultimately hopeful journey. A sudden and violent storm takes Donn and his family out on a hiking trip in the Maine backwoods. Donn is alone and stranded in a vast wilderness where he must battle dangerous circumstances, untamed animals, and his own fears in order to survive. He depends on his bravery, resourcefulness, and the desire to be with his family again over the course of nine days. His journey ends up serving as a monument to the enduring power of the human spirit and the importance of family.
Plot Summary
Lost on a Mountain in Maine, which is based on the acclaimed novel by Donn Fendler, chronicles the terrifying but inspirational journey of 12-year-old Donn Fendler (Luke David Blumm). A sudden, strong storm breaks up Donn’s family’s hiking trip in the Maine backwoods, leaving him stranded and alone in the vast wilderness.
Donn needs to muster all of his bravery and resourcefulness to withstand the severe weather as the storm continues. Fighting off hunger, cold, and fear, he has few supplies and can only rely on his cunning. Donn sets out on a nine-day journey of survival and self-discovery, guided by his mother’s (Caitlin FitzGerald) consoling words of hope and his father’s (Paul Sparks) survival lessons.
A massive search operation is launched, led by the tenacious Mr. Donald Fendler (Paul Sparks) and local rangers (Dan Matteucci, Bates Wilder), and the entire community joins forces to look for the missing boy. The film portrays the emotional ups and downs that Donn’s family experiences, particularly that of his mother, Mrs. Ruth Fendler (Caitlin FitzGerald), while they wait to learn about their son.
Donn faces a number of difficulties, such as negotiating narrow river crossings, navigating through deep forests, and interacting with Maine’s wild animals. He encounters helpful strangers along the route, such as the sympathetic Mrs. Kim (Bea Soong) and the good-natured woodsman (Laurent Rejto), who provide him with brief moments of consolation and encouragement.
Through sheer determination and the will to survive, Donn’s journey becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His story captures the hearts of those who hear it, highlighting the importance of hope, family, and the incredible strength found within oneself.
Tension rises as the days go by, and the search team encounters many obstacles. The film’s climax sees a dramatic and emotional rescue, reuniting Donn with his family and community. Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a gripping adventure story that underscores the power of perseverance and the enduring bond of family.
Main Cast
Caitlin FitzGerald as Mrs. Ruth Fendler: Donn’s supportive and caring mother who spearheads the search efforts to find her son.
Paul Sparks as Mr. Donald Fendler: Donn’s determined and loving father, who works tirelessly with the search teams to locate Donn.
Ethan Slater as Henry: A family friend and avid outdoorsman who helps in the search and rescue operations.
Luke David Blumm as Donn Fendler: The brave 12-year-old boy who gets lost and must survive on his own in the wilderness.
Dean Neistat as State Trooper in Canoe: One of the rescuers who joins the search for Donn.
Dan Matteucci as Ranger: A seasoned park ranger who leads the search operations.
Bates Wilder as Lead Ranger: The head of the rescue team coordinating the search efforts.
Mason Cufari as Tommy Fendler: Donn’s younger brother, who struggles with his brother’s disappearance.
Wayne Pyle as Doctor: The physician who examines Donn after his rescue.
Ashlyn Alessi as Rescue Ranger: A member of the rescue team who supports the search for Donn.
Griffin Wallace Henkel as Ryan Fendler: Donn’s older brother, who helps keep the family’s hope alive.
Bea Soong as Mrs. Kim: A family friend who supports the Fendlers during the ordeal.
Robert Loftus as Search Party Volunteer #3: One of the volunteers who helps in the search efforts.
Mackenzie Sage as Patsy Fendler (as Mackenzie S. Stevens): Donn’s younger sister, who anxiously awaits her brother’s return.
Laurent Rejto as Woodsman: A local woodsman who offers valuable insights into the wilderness.
Nancy Marie Nicosia as Ms. Mangan: A teacher who encourages her students to keep faith in Donn’s return.
Elijah George as Woodsman: Another local woodsman who assists in the search.