There are those typical ‘horror’ stories everyone gets told before going on an adventure in nature. The ones meant to instill home a respect and maybe even a healthy fear of the great outdoors. Donn Fendler’s tale of his time lost on Mount Katahdin is one of those stories as told in Lost On A Mountain In Maine, produced by Sylvester Stallone and it’s easy to see why. The story became the stuff of legend in the Northeast, even decades later. It all happened in July of 1939, when the Fendler family would be forever changed.
Donald Fendler (Paul Sparks) had promised his sons a long fishing trip that they had been looking forward to. The twins – Donn (Luke David Blumm) and Ryan (Griffin Wallace Henkel) and youngest Tommy (Mason Cufari) were incredibly excited. The day was finally here! That is until Donald breaks the bad news, he has to head back to work in a few days, leaving no time for the trip. Donald has quite the consolation prize in mind though.
Donald had asked his friend Henry (Ethan Slater) to lead him and the boys on a hike. Not just any ole hike – the group was going to the summit of Mount Katahdin. They say goodbye to their mother Ruth (Caitlin Fitzgerald) and sister Patsy (Mackenzie Stevens). Time to set out for the summit together. The problem is, not all of them will come back down at once. Mount Katahdin is a Mountain in Maine steeped in traditions and legend. Henry tells the children of Pamola, a thunder god according to the Penobscot tribal nation, who protects Katahdin. Pamola is the one responsible for the extreme storms and weather seen around the summit of the mountain. These storms add a unique level of danger for hikers.
Henry had warned the boys not to deviate from the path and the white trail markers. He tells them about how the woods surrounding them can seemingly swallow them. If that happens and they try and call for help, the trees have a way of stealing all sounds. Aka no one will hear you scream. A blinding storm and sibling fight later, and Donn is finding this out firsthand. He’s all alone and can’t find Ryan or Henry. One thing his dad always taught him – when things are hard, press on.
Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger directed the film while Luke Paradise wrote the script. Lost On A Mountain In Maine is only Luke Paradise’s second full length feature after last year’s Sympathy For The Devil. What makes the Fendler family’s nightmare even more harrowing is that it is based on a true story. Donn Fendler’s novel of the same name is the inspiration behind the film. The book was his way of telling his side of a story that captivated the region.
Kightlinger and Paradise continuously highlight the humanity of the story. Not only through the script and actors, but with real footage. They consistently blend several interviews with real life key members related to the incident. From Ruth to Ryan to a local park ranger. The footage hits home, adding even more to the dramatization put forth through the film.
Kightlinger has no shortage of memorable shots throughout the film. From the beautiful aerial views of the backwoods to the disorientation Donn is experiencing. Not only are the overhead shots gorgeous but attempt to give a sense of the immense vastness of the area. Something that is difficult to comprehend and fathom through a screen. Kightlinger’s use of shadow and silhouettes also leave a lasting impression – visuals that will not be quick to forget and help set the film apart.
Lost On A Mountain In Maine explores both sides of the story. Kightlinger and Paradise highlight Donn’s Herculean feat while also focusing on Donald and Ruth’s efforts. Donn’s parents are doing all they can to try and help find him from their end. The cast across the board rises to the occasion. The emotions on display are spot on and help draw the audience in. While the story is incredible, the film seems to be missing a bit of the magic. Kightlinger & co. weren’t fully able to capture how terrifying Donn’s experience must have truly been. That being said, the film is certainly entertaining and is absolutely worth a watch.
