David (Josh Wiggins) carrying his wounded father Cal (Matt Bomer) in this brutal tale of survival, "Walking Out." Press Photo.
Beautifully filmed in Montana's Paradise Valley, the Sundance Film Festival hit "Walking Out" will provide a thrilling evening to hunters and back country enthusiasts alike. The powerfully-acted plot revolves around a hunting trip in a remote, snow-filled valley taken by a father and his 14-year old son, who have been estranged.
The son, David (Josh Wiggins), lives with his mother in Texas but comes to Montana once a year to spend time with his roughneck father Cal (Matt Bomer). David would rather stay indoors playing video games but his father has his heart set on bagging a moose he's been stalking in the nearby mountains. Following a tough hike up a remote trail, they find the moose – shot and abandoned by another hunter. That's when they discover a dead bear cub.
A confrontation with that cub's mother leaves both wounded, the father gravely and the son is forced to grow up in a hurry. That's when things get rough.
The story line is based on David Quammen's short story. Filmmakers Alex and Andrew Smith, who grew up in Potomac, Mont., have created a convincing tale of survival in a magnificent but unforgiving landscape. This film is gorgeous and well crafted.
Bill Pullman ("Ruthless People" and "Independence Day") makes an appearance as Cal's father. Lily Gladstone ("Certain Women" and "Winter in the Blood") has an important cameo. Premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, the film has a high Rotten Tomatoes score of 93 percent.
The film is free, donations accepted. There are two screenings: Friday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Hall and Saturday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Community Hall. The film is presented as part of Alpine Artisans' Tour of the Arts weekend. More information and tour map: http://www.alpineartisans.org/tour-of-the-arts-folder/
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