Lost on a Mountain in Maine Movie Review

Movies

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 

Mommy Blog Expert 

WIT PR provided screening access to facilitate this movie review 

New Family Film in Theaters 

The new family friendly movie Lost on a Mountain in Maine (2004, Rated PG), produced by Sylvester Stallone, opens in theaters November 1. If you’ve ever been separated from your son or daughter, even for a moment, you know that intense feeling of worry, love, and hope that grips you until you're again reunited with your child. This new feature film docudrama taps into these universal fears and emotions, bringing to the big screen the true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler, who was lost in the vast and treacherous wilderness of Maine's Katahdin Mountains for nine days in the 1930s.

How Family Bonds Give Strength When Needed Most 

This film is more than just a tale of survival; it’s a heartfelt reminder of how powerful family bonds are—especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, when things get really tough. In Lost on a Mountain in Maine, the focus and POV (point of view) splits between Donn’s frightening solo journey and the emotional rollercoaster his family experiences while searching for him. This back-and-forth storytelling creates a deeply relatable experience for viewers, particularly parents, who can’t help but feel for Donn’s mother and father as they grapple with the unknown. 

Every scene is an emotional tug-of-war, with Donn fighting to survive while his family struggles to hold onto hope. The film opens with a scene you likely relate to: a family hiking, enjoying the outdoors and quality time together. As the story moves further, Donn joins his father, brother and a family friend playing trail guide and together they set out on a challenging and dangerous hike. Headstrong Donn climbs quicker than the rest of the group and before he knows it, he's separate from the others. 

Now lost, what should have been just an innocent day hike adventure quickly takes a dangerous turn. Donn finds himself alone in the dense, rugged woods of Maine, struggling to navigate his way back while facing severe weather, unfamiliar rugged terrain, hunger and thirst, multiple injuries, and exhaustion. What’s truly special about this movie is how it shows Donn's resilience of never giving up hope, born from his memories of home and family. 

The movie’s portrayal of the main character's mental journey as he calls on his inner strength is both touching and inspiring. In moments of despair, Donn thinks of his family: his mother’s comforting words, his dad’s strength, and his siblings’ laughter. Even though he’s physically alone, these memories serve as an emotional lifeline, keeping him moving forward against unbelievable odds. 

Back home, his family is enduring their own ordeal. As moms and dads, we know that feeling of helplessness when our kids face trouble. Donn’s mom, like so many of us would, turns to her faith, her emotions swinging between desperate hope and fear. His dad is portrayed as a strong, focused figure, out in front of the search and rescue team's efforts throughout the ordeal. 

There’s an incredible strength that parents show for their children, and the movie captures this beautifully. You feel their pain, love, and unbreakable determination as they try to bring their boy home.

Spoiler Alert

When Donn is finally found, the reunion with his family will warm your heart. You can see how much he’s grown and matured, not only from his experiences of being alone in the wild, but from realizing just how loved he is. And his family? They hold him tighter than ever before, filled with gratitude and love for their boy who has returned to them. It’s the ultimate expression of the strength of family bonds, showing how, no matter what life throws our way, love and resilience will see us through.

Lost on a Mountain in Maine isn’t just a movie about survival; it’s a powerful family story. It reminds us of the strength family brings, how memories of loved ones can inspire us to keep going, bonding and keeping us connected even in the darkest times. 

This is a film that every family member old enough to see a PG rated picture should see together. It’s a reminder to hold loved ones close, in good times and bad, and to trust in the unbreakable bonds that connect us. So grab some tissues, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you feeling grateful for the love and strength of family. Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a film that doesn’t just retell a true story that actually happened almost 100 years ago; it reminds us of what’s really most important in life. 

More About Lost on a Mountain in Maine

See a preview of this film by watching the official movie trailer. Also learn more about Lost on a Mountain in Maine, filmed on location in the Hudson Valley, New York, by visiting the movie website and by following the film on Facebook and Instagram. Buy tickets now at a local theater near you.

Many thanks to WIT PR for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.