Release Date: November 14, 2024
Based on: Lost on a Mountain in Maine by Donn Fendler
Produced by: Sylvester Stallone
Directed by: Andrew Kightlinger
Overview
Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a harrowing, emotionally charged survival drama that pulls its narrative from the real-life ordeal of Donn Fendler, whose 1939 disappearance in the Maine wilderness became national news. Adapted from Fendler’s memoir of the same name, the film is brought to life under the surprising but welcome guidance of producer Sylvester Stallone—known for high-octane classics like Rocky and Rambo.
This adaptation, however, is less about fists and firepower and more about nature, fear, and the fragile threads that bind a family.
The Story: One Boy Against the Wild
The film centers around 12-year-old Don Fendler, who reluctantly joins a mountain trek in Maine with his father and older brother. Trying to prove he’s grown-up enough to handle the journey, Don ventures further than he should—only to become separated from his family when a storm rolls in.
What follows is a tense and emotional odyssey as Don braves the wilderness alone. With minimal food, no shelter, and no real sense of direction, his survival depends not just on instinct, but on resilience, courage, and a growing spiritual clarity.
Meanwhile, the story also follows Don’s father, who is consumed by guilt and desperation. His internal torment plays out alongside his son’s external struggle, giving the film a dual emotional weight that explores themes of fatherhood, regret, and redemption.
Cast & Performances
Paul Sparks as Don’s Father
Known for his roles in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and Netflix’s House of Cards, Sparks delivers a layered performance of a man undone by guilt and fear. His portrayal is reserved, yet deeply affecting.
Luke David Blumm as Don
Best known for his role in The Walking Dead, Blumm commands the screen with raw vulnerability. At just 15, his depiction of Don’s physical and emotional journey is remarkably grounded and mature.
Caitlin Fitzgerald as Don’s Mother
Fitzgerald (Succession, Masters of Sex) brings warmth and strength to the screen, playing a mother torn between hope and heartbreak. Her chemistry with Sparks is subtle but effective.
Ethan Slater as Don’s Brother
Broadway fans may recognize Slater as the voice of SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical. Here, he trades in silliness for sincerity, offering a quiet but compelling performance.
Behind the Scenes
Director Andrew Kightlinger chose to film in the unforgiving terrain of real wilderness—not studio sets—resulting in a raw, immersive atmosphere. The cast and crew endured mud, cold, and rugged mountain trails over months of grueling production.
This authenticity seeps into every frame. The environment becomes a character of its own: beautiful, dangerous, and indifferent to human suffering.
The True Story
Donn Fendler was just 12 years old when he disappeared on Maine’s Mount Katahdin in 1939. For nine days, he battled dehydration, fear, and the elements before eventually finding a stream and following it to safety. His story captivated the nation, and his book has remained a staple in school libraries and survival reading lists ever since. Fendler passed away in 2016 at the age of 90.
Final Thoughts
Lost on a Mountain in Maine isn’t just a survival story—it’s a coming-of-age tale, a meditation on familial bonds, and a deeply emotional journey into the heart of fear and perseverance. While not a blockbuster in the traditional sense, its quiet intensity and heartfelt performances make it one of the more memorable survival films in recent years.
If you appreciated the realism of Into the Wild or the emotional depth of The Revenant, this film may strike a similar chord.
Read the Original Book: Lost on a Mountain in Maine – Amazon
Watch Lost on a Mountain in Maine (2024) on eBravoapp.