The survival movie is a cinematic subgenre in which the protagonist characters fight for physical survival. It often overlaps with various other film categories. It is a subgenre of adventure movie and war films.
Survival movies are darker than other adventure films and typically focus their story on a lone character, usually the main character. From apocalyptic hellscapes to dangerous adventures, here are the a must-see survival movies.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
The 1968 film “Planet of the Apes,” directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, is the original cinematic work that launched one of the most iconic science fiction sagas in the history of cinema. Here are some key details about this film:
Plot: The film follows the journey of a group of astronauts, including the protagonist George Taylor, played by Charlton Heston, who crash-land on an apparently uninhabited alien planet. Over time, they discover that the planet is inhabited by intelligent apes who dominate society, while humans are reduced to a primitive state and subjugated. Taylor must try to survive in this alien world and face the challenges associated with his situation.
Themes: The film explores various themes, including society, religion, politics, and human nature. The plot gradually unveils the surprising truth about the planet and offers social critique in the form of allegory. The famous final scene of the film has remained in the collective imagination as one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history.
Special Effects: “Planet of the Apes” was acclaimed for its innovative special effects, particularly the makeup and prosthetics that transformed the actors into anthropomorphic apes. These effects helped make the world of the film incredibly realistic.
The film was a major box office success and spawned several sequels, adaptations, and remakes over the years. It is known for its ability to stimulate discussions about society and the human condition through the lens of science fiction and is considered a genre classic.
The Deer Hunter (1978)
“The Deer Hunter,” directed by Michael Cimino in 1978, is often associated with survival films, although its plot is much more complex and multifaceted. The film, starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, is set during the Vietnam War and primarily revolves around the experiences of a group of friends who go off to war.
Plot: The film follows a group of friends from a small town in Pennsylvania who are drafted and sent to Vietnam during the war. The plot focuses on their experience of physical and emotional survival as they navigate through a hostile and traumatic environment. The theme of survival is evident in the combat scenes and the challenges the characters face throughout the film.
Themes: In addition to physical survival, the film addresses profound themes such as friendship, the horrors of war, post-war trauma, and the struggle to readjust to civilian life after the military experience.
“The Deer Hunter” is known for its raw and realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and for the high-caliber performances by the cast. While the film is often associated with survival films, it should be noted that its primary focus is on human relationships and the psychological changes the characters undergo as a result of the horrors of war.
Alive (1993)
“Alive” is a 1993 survival drama film directed by Frank Marshall. It is based on the true story of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, in which a Uruguayan rugby team’s plane crashed in the Andes Mountains, leaving the survivors stranded in the wilderness. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film follows the harrowing experiences of the crash survivors, who must contend with extreme cold, lack of food, and the moral dilemma of resorting to cannibalism to stay alive. Their struggle for survival and their efforts to maintain hope are central to the story.
Themes: “Alive” explores themes of survival, resilience, teamwork, and the human will to live in the face of overwhelming odds. It also delves into the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise when people are pushed to their limits.
Production: The film is known for its realistic portrayal of the crash and the subsequent challenges faced by the survivors. The performances of the cast, including Ethan Hawke and Josh Hamilton, received critical acclaim.
“Alive” is a gripping and intense portrayal of survival under extreme circumstances. It offers a thought-provoking look at the human capacity for adaptation and the choices individuals make when confronted with life-or-death situations.
The Edge (1997)
“The Edge” is a 1997 survival drama film directed by Lee Tamahori. The film stars Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin and is set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The story revolves around two men, Charles Morse (played by Anthony Hopkins) and Robert Green (played by Alec Baldwin), who find themselves stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after surviving a plane crash. As they face the harsh conditions and the threat of a territorial grizzly bear, their survival skills and wits are put to the test.
Themes: “The Edge” explores themes of survival, teamwork, resourcefulness, and the psychological battle against the elements and one another. It delves into the dynamics between the two characters as they must rely on each other for survival.
Production: The film is known for its stunning cinematography showcasing the beautiful yet treacherous Alaskan wilderness. It features intense and suspenseful sequences as the characters navigate their way through the wilderness.
“The Edge” received praise for its strong performances, particularly from Anthony Hopkins, and its portrayal of the challenges faced by the characters in their fight for survival. It’s a survival thriller that combines elements of adventure and psychological drama in a wilderness setting.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
“The Thin Red Line” (1998), directed by Terrence Malick, is a survival film set during World War II. This war drama is based on the novel of the same name by James Jones and explores the struggle for survival of American soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Here are some key details:
Plot: The film follows the lives and experiences of a group of American soldiers who have been sent to Guadalcanal to fight against Japanese forces. The plot highlights the soldiers’ struggle not only against the relentless enemy advance but also against the forces of nature and the psychological pressures of war.
Themes: “The Thin Red Line” addresses profound themes such as violence, mortality, the beauty of nature, and the fragility of humanity in a wartime context. The film also explores the different reactions of soldiers to war, with some seeking survival at any cost and others searching for deeper meaning in their experience.
This film is known for its extraordinary aesthetics and contemplative storytelling. While it is a war film, it stands out for its attention to the details of character psychology and the relationship between humans and nature.
Cast Away (2000)
“Cast Away” is a 2000 survival drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film is often associated with the survival genre due to its central theme of a man’s struggle to survive alone on a deserted island. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film stars Tom Hanks as Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive who becomes stranded on a remote uninhabited island in the South Pacific after a plane crash. He must learn to survive in this harsh environment by finding food, shelter, and a way to signal for rescue. The movie follows his physical and emotional journey as he adapts to his isolated existence and attempts to find a way back to civilization.
Themes: “Cast Away” explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the human will to survive. It delves into the psychological toll of being marooned on an island for an extended period, as Chuck Noland grapples with loneliness and the challenge of maintaining hope.
Production: The film is known for Tom Hanks’ committed performance, as well as its innovative production. Hanks underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, losing weight to depict the character’s struggle for survival. The movie also features a notable co-star, Wilson the volleyball, which Chuck Noland befriends on the island and uses as a surrogate companion.
“Cast Away” received critical acclaim for its portrayal of survival and was praised for Tom Hanks’ performance. It showcases the human spirit’s capacity to endure and adapt in extreme circumstances, making it a memorable entry in the survival film genre.
Open Water (2003)
“Open Water” is a 2003 film directed by Chris Kentis. The film is a psychological thriller based on real events and can be categorized within the survival film genre, albeit with a different perspective compared to typical survival films. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film follows a couple, Susan and Daniel, who decide to go on a scuba diving vacation in the tropical waters of the Bahamas. During a dive excursion, they are accidentally left behind by the group and find themselves stranded in open water. Their struggle to survive in the middle of the ocean, with threats from sharks and other dangers, forms the core of the plot.
Themes: “Open Water” explores themes of isolation, fear, desperation, and the fight for survival in a hostile environment. The film highlights the increasing psychological tension as the couple realizes the magnitude of their situation and the odds against them.
Filming Style: The film is known for its realistic filming style, shot mostly in open water with the use of actual scuba-diving actors. This contributed to creating an authentic and claustrophobic atmosphere.
“Open Water” garnered attention for its raw and suspenseful portrayal of a survival situation and its ability to evoke the emotions of the characters in the face of a growing threat. The film is based on a true story and was an independent success in the world of cinema.
Touching The Void (2003)
It’s a survival movie and docudrama of 2003 directed by Kevin Macdonald and starring Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron and Ollie Ryall. The plot chronicles the descent of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates after making the first ascent of the west face of Siula Grande in the Cordillera Huayhuash in the Peruvian Andes, in 1985.
It is based on Simpson’s 1988 book of the same name. Considered among the most interesting documentaries in the history of British cinema. This is one of the most challenging films and is a true story told by real survivors.
In 1985, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, both experienced mountaineers, climbed the west face of Siula Grande in Peru. After leaving the summit, their descent down the north face suddenly proves difficult in stormy weather conditions. Soon after the two leave the summit, Yates falls down the wall they had been climbing, but his fall is arrested by their ropes.
After a bivouac at the top of the summit, the pair continue their descent the next early morning, but Simpson falls while descending an ice wall and, landing awkwardly, has a badly damaged leg.
Apocalypto (2006)
“Apocalypto” is a 2006 epic adventure film directed by Mel Gibson. While it may not fit the traditional survival film genre, it does contain elements of survival as the main character faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival in a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican setting. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film is set in the declining Maya civilization of Central America and follows the story of Jaguar Paw, a young man from a small village. After his village is raided and its inhabitants are captured for sacrifice, Jaguar Paw must evade capture, navigate through the jungle, and fight for his survival to rescue his pregnant wife and son.
Themes: “Apocalypto” explores themes of survival, resilience, and the human instinct to protect loved ones in the face of danger. It also delves into the brutality and cultural aspects of the Maya civilization during that time period.
Production: The film is notable for its detailed recreation of the ancient Maya world and its use of the Yucatec Maya language, adding an authentic touch to the storytelling.
“Apocalypto” received acclaim for its visceral and intense storytelling, as well as its portrayal of the challenges and dangers that Jaguar Paw faces in his struggle for survival. While it’s not a traditional survival film, it showcases the protagonist’s determination and resourcefulness in a hostile environment, making it a unique and gripping cinematic experience.
Rescue Dawn (2006)
Rescue Dawn is a 2006 American war drama survival movie written and directed by Werner Herzog, based on an adapted screenplay composed from his 1997 documentary Little Dieter Needs to Fly.
The film stars Christian Bale and is based on the true story of German-American pilot Dieter Dengler, who was shot down and captured by villagers supporting the Pathet Lao during an American military campaign in the Vietnam War. Despite major praise, the film was a box office failure.
In February 1966, during combat, Lieutenant Dieter Dengler, a German-born US Navy pilot in VA-145 Squadron, was shot down in his Douglas A-1 Skyraider over Laos. He manages to survive the crash, only to be captured by the Pathet Lao. Dengler is granted clemency by the governor of the province if he signs a file condemning America, but he refuses. Dengler is tortured and taken to a prison camp.
There he meets his fellow inmates: American pilots Gene DeBruin and Duane W. Martin, Chinese Hong Kong radio operator YC To, Procet, and Thai Air America cargo staff member Pisidhi Indradat, some of whom have been slaves for many years.
The Road (2009)
The Road is a 2009 American post-apocalyptic survival movie directed by John Hillcoat and written by Joe Penhall, based on the 2006 book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy. The film stars Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee as a father and his son in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
The film received favorable ratings from critics; Mortensen and Smit-McPhee’s performances garnered praise. It also earned several nominations, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Cinematography. The Road is a gripping story of fatherly love and survival.
A man and his son fight to survive after a disaster causes the death of all plant and animal life. The man and boy travel on a road to the coast in hopes of finding a safe home, scrounging for supplies on their journey, and preventing gangs of wandering cannibals equipped with weapons and automobiles.
Years earlier, the man’s wife brings their child back to life soon after the disaster and she slowly loses hope. When the man shoots an intruder using one of the three bullets they set aside for their family as a last resort, she accuses him of intentionally wasting the bullet to prevent his suicide. Taking her coat and hat in the freezing cold, she disappears into the woods, never to be seen again.
All Is Lost (2010)
“All Is Lost” is a 2013 survival drama film written and directed by J.C. Chandor. This film is a classic example of the survival genre, featuring a solo sailor’s struggle for survival in the middle of the ocean. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film stars Robert Redford as an unnamed solo sailor who faces a series of challenges and disasters after his sailboat collides with a shipping container in the Indian Ocean. With his boat severely damaged and his navigational equipment destroyed, he must use his resourcefulness and sailing skills to survive against the elements and the relentless sea.
Themes: “All Is Lost” explores themes of isolation, self-reliance, and the indomitable human spirit. The film delves into the character’s physical and emotional endurance as he confronts one obstacle after another in a desperate bid for survival.
Production: The film is notable for its minimal dialogue and reliance on visual storytelling, as well as Robert Redford’s powerful and largely solo performance. It captures the stark beauty and brutality of the open ocean.
“All Is Lost” received critical acclaim for its gripping and minimalist portrayal of survival. It is a tense and harrowing journey of one person’s struggle against the forces of nature, making it a compelling entry in the survival film genre.
127 Hours (2010)
127 Hours is a 2010 biographical drama survival movie written, produced and directed by Danny Boyle. The film stars James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn and Clémence Poésy. In the film, canyoneer Aron Ralston must discover a method to free himself after being pinned by a stone in Bluejohn Canyon in southeastern Utah in April 2003. The film, based on Ralston’s short story Between a Rock and a Hard Place (2004), was written by Boyle and Simon Beaufoy.
127 Hours was well received by audiences and critics and grossed $60 million worldwide. It was chosen for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Franco and Best Picture. The film’s title describes the uninterrupted duration from when Ralston was stuck in Blue John Canyon as soon as his arm was stuck under a rock, to when he was rescued.
James Franco’s Oscar-nominated performance as the title character is the focal point of this gripping fictionalized version of a truly genuine survival story – a challenging, but ultimately motivating viewing experience.
In April 2003, mountaineer Aron Ralston goes trekking in Canyonlands National Park in Utah without informing anyone. He befriends hikers Kristi and Megan and shows them an underground pool before they return home. Afterwards, Aron continues moving through Bluejohn Canyon.
As he climbs, a stone he was hanging from comes loose and he gets his right arm trapped against the wall. Aron tries to move the stone, but it doesn’t move, and he immediately realizes that he is alone. He quickly begins recording a video diary using his video camera as he cuts away parts of the stone with a penknife. Over the next 5 days, Aron consumes his food and is left with 300 ml of water, has difficulty keeping warm at night, and has to consume his urine when his water runs out.
Buried (2010)
Buried is a 2010 Spanish-English survival drama movie directed by Rodrigo Cortés. It stars Ryan Reynolds and was written by Chris Sparling. The story deals with Iraq-based American civilian truck driver Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds), who, after being attacked, finds himself buried alive in a wooden coffin, with only a lighter, a flask, a flashlight, a knife, glow sticks, a pen, a pencil and a smartphone.
Since it was the best film at the Sundance Film Festival, it received favorable reception. Arguably among the creepiest survival movie, Buried isn’t a great option for the claustrophobic.
In 2006, Paul Conroy, an American civilian working in Iraq, wakes up to find himself buried in a wooden coffin with only a Zippo lighter, a pen, and a BlackBerry phone to hand. As he slowly begins to piece together what really happened to him, he remembers that he and several others were attacked by terrorists, losing consciousness after being hit by a rock.
After calling 911 in Youngstown, Ohio, the FBI in Chicago and his company, none of whom assist him, he receives a call from his captor, Jabir, demanding he pay a $5 million ransom or he will be left to die in the coffin. Along with the story Paul must verify, Paul also discovers a faulty flashlight, a glow stick, a flask of alcohol, and a Swiss Army knife.
The Grey (2011)
“The Grey” is a 2011 survival thriller film directed by Joe Carnahan. The film follows the story of a group of oil workers stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash, facing harsh weather conditions and a pack of aggressive wolves. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: After their plane crashes in the remote wilderness of Alaska, the survivors, led by Ottway, played by Liam Neeson, must contend with the brutal cold, a lack of supplies, and the relentless pursuit of a wolf pack. As they struggle to survive, they confront not only the physical dangers but also their own inner demons.
Themes: “The Grey” explores themes of survival, human resilience, and the primal instincts that surface in life-threatening situations. It delves into the characters’ personal histories and their fight for survival against both nature and themselves.
Production: The film is known for its intense and suspenseful atmosphere, with gripping action sequences and stunning cinematography capturing the harsh beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Liam Neeson’s performance is a standout element of the film.
“The Grey” received praise for its gripping storytelling and the portrayal of the characters’ emotional and physical struggles in a life-and-death battle against the elements and wolves. It’s a tense and thought-provoking survival thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Life of Pi (2012)
It’s a survival dramatic film 2012 adventure film directed and produced by Ang Lee and composed by David Magee. Based on Yann Martel’s 2001 book of the same name, it stars Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Tabu and Adil Hussain.
The story focuses on 2 survivors of a shipwreck. One is a sixteen-year-old Indian boy named Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) and the other is a relentless Bengal tiger named Richard Parker who finds himself on a lifeboat stranded in the Pacific Ocean for 227 days. It was the opening film of the 50th New York Film Festival at both the Walter Reade Theater and Alice Tully Hall in New York City on September 28, 2012.
It opened theatrically in the United States on the same day as 20th Century Fox. At the 85th Academy Awards it had eleven elections, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, and won 4, including Best Director for Ang Lee. It’s a mix of philosophical drama and gripping adventure.
In Canada, a young author meets Pi Patel, a middle-aged man. The author was advised that Pi’s life story would make an excellent subject for a book. Pi informs the author of the following story about his life: Pi was raised in a Hindu family, however at 12 he was introduced to Christianity and later Islam, and chooses to follow all 3 faiths as he “simply wishes to love God” .
His mother supports his desire to grow up, but his rationalist father tries to divert his ideas. Pi’s family owns a zoo, and Pi takes an interest in animals, especially a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. After Pi becomes alarmingly close to Richard Parker, his father forces him to watch the tiger take out a goat.
Gravity (2013)
Gravity is a thriller film by science fiction of 2013 directed by Alfonso Cuaron, who also co-wrote, co-edited and produced the film. It stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as American astronauts stranded in space after their Space Shuttle explodes mid-orbit and attempts to return to Earth.
Considered among the best films of 2013, it appeared on many critics’ year-end lists and was selected by the American Film Institute in its annual list of films of the year. The film was the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2013 with a worldwide gross of over $723 million, against a production budget plan of approximately $100 million.
The Space Shuttle Explorer, commanded by veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski, remains in Earth orbit to service the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Dr. Ryan Stone is on board for her first objective in the area, performing a series of hardware upgrades on Hubble.
During a spacewalk, mission control in Houston alerts the explorer team to a rapidly approaching cloud of particles mistakenly caused by the Russians shooting down a supposed spy satellite and orders the team to return to Earth immediately. Interaction with Mission Control is lost soon after as the satellites are knocked out by the particles.
The Revenant (2013)
“The Revenant” is a 2015 film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. This film is a survival epic based on historical events and is set in 1823 in the wilderness of the United States and Canada. Here are some key information about the film:
Plot: The film follows the story of Hugh Glass, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, a fur trapper who is brutally injured by a grizzly bear and abandoned by members of his hunting party. In a fight for survival, Glass must traverse wild terrain, face harsh weather, and seek revenge on those who betrayed him.
Themes: “The Revenant” explores themes of survival, revenge, and the connection between man and nature. The film highlights Glass’s tenacity as he strives to survive despite severe injuries and extreme circumstances.
Production: The film is known for its challenging and realistic production, with filming in extreme conditions and without the excessive use of special effects. Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Hugh Glass earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
“The Revenant” has received critical acclaim for its breathtaking cinematography and intense portrayal of the protagonist’s struggle for survival. It is an epic and engaging film that highlights the strength of the human will to survive in extreme conditions.
The Martian (2015)
“The Martian” is a 2015 film directed by Ridley Scott and based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir. This film can be categorized within the space survival genre and follows the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars and his ingenious challenges for survival. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film follows the story of Mark Watney, portrayed by Matt Damon, a NASA astronaut who is accidentally left behind by his crew during a storm on Mars and is presumed dead. Watney must then find a way to survive on a hostile planet with limited resources, attempting to grow food and communicate with Earth for rescue.
Themes: “The Martian” explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the use of science and ingenuity to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The film highlights Watney’s optimism and determination as he strives to survive and return home.
Production: The film is known for its attention to scientific detail and realistic portrayal of survival challenges in space and on Mars. Matt Damon’s performance as Mark Watney received widespread acclaim.
“The Martian” was a major box office success and received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. It is an engaging film that skillfully blends the survival genre with space exploration, offering a story of hope and determination in a harsh environment.
The Witch (2015)
“The Witch” is a 2015 horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. While it’s not a traditional survival film, it does involve elements of survival as a Puritan family in colonial New England faces supernatural and psychological threats in the wilderness. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The film is set in 1630s New England and follows a Puritan family that is banished from their village and forced to live on the edge of a remote and eerie forest. As they attempt to build a new life, they encounter malevolent forces lurking in the woods, which challenge their faith and sanity.
Themes: “The Witch” explores themes of isolation, superstition, religious fanaticism, and the primal fear of the unknown. It delves into the psychological toll that isolation, paranoia, and supernatural occurrences take on the family members.
Production: The film is known for its period-accurate dialogue, historical authenticity, and atmospheric cinematography. It creates a sense of dread and unease throughout.
“The Witch” is often praised for its atmospheric horror and psychological tension. While not a traditional survival film, it showcases the family’s struggle to survive in the wilderness and against supernatural forces, making it a unique and unsettling entry in the horror genre.
Everest (2015)
Everest is a 2015 film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. This film is based on real events and follows the tragic Everest expedition of 1996, in which two teams of climbers must face extreme conditions to survive.
Plot: The film tells the story of two separate expeditions that attempt to reach the summit of Everest during the climbing season of 1996. As the teams approach the summit, they are caught in a fierce storm that tests their survival skills in extreme conditions.
Themes: “Everest” explores themes of human challenge, resilience, sacrifice, and the struggle to survive in one of the most hostile environments in the world. The film highlights the courage and determination of the climbers as they try to overcome adversity.
Production: The film is known for the filming in Nepal and other mountain locations, providing stunning scenery and realistic action sequences. The cast includes actors such as Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
“Everest” has been praised for its faithfulness to the true story of the events and for its gripping portrayal of the challenges faced by the climbers. The film captures the essence of the dangerous climb of Everest and offers a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme circumstances.
The Shallows (2016)
“The Shallows” is a 2016 survival thriller film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The film stars Blake Lively and is set in a remote, paradisiacal beach location. Here are some key details about the film:
Plot: The story follows Nancy Adams (played by Blake Lively), a medical student who goes surfing at a secluded beach in Mexico. After being attacked by a great white shark, she finds herself stranded on a small rock outcrop in the ocean, just 200 yards from the shore. As the tide rises and the shark continues to circle, Nancy must use her resourcefulness and determination to survive.
Themes: “The Shallows” explores themes of survival, resilience, and the fight for life in the face of imminent danger. It also portrays the deep connection between humans and nature, particularly the primal fear of predators.
Production: The film is known for its tense and suspenseful sequences as Nancy battles the relentless shark. Blake Lively’s performance received praise for carrying much of the film on her own.
“The Shallows” received positive reviews for its suspenseful storytelling and the performance of Blake Lively. It’s a thrilling survival film that combines elements of adventure and horror, showcasing the human will to survive against overwhelming odds in a beautiful yet perilous setting.
Bare Hands (2021)
Mani Nude is a film by Andrea Malandra, shot in 2019. The film possesses the usual elements of Malandra’s visual research in a new direction, no longer urban but oriented towards the nature of the mountain woods, those of the Majella, freely inspired by a story actually happened and to more than one news story that has occurred in recent years, namely the disappearance of hikers in the mountain forests of Abruzzo.
Daphne is a young woman fleeing from the metropolitan grayness and her ghosts to find herself in contact with nature. She arrives in Abruzzo, a region that meets her expectations from a naturalistic point of view, but during an excursion she ends up getting lost in the Majella woods.
From here begins the story of how one tries to survive, completely alone and lost, until her experience ends up becoming something else for her: a moment of transformation and catharsis.
